Imagine clocking out from your job, jotting a quick note promising a swift return, and stepping into what should be a mundane commute—only to meet a violent end that shocks the world. This is the harrowing reality of Iryna Zarutska’s last hours. The 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee left a cryptic message at her pizzeria workplace: “Shift done, back in 10” at exactly 6:58 pm. But a baffling 7-minute train delay threw everything off course, leading to her fatal stabbing on Charlotte’s Lynx Blue Line. As investigators dig deeper, whispers of hidden motives and overlooked clues suggest this wasn’t just random violence. What secrets did that note hold, and could it unlock the real reason behind her murder?
Iryna Zarutska’s journey to America was one of hope amid despair. Born May 22, 2002, in the heart of Kyiv, Ukraine, to parents Anna Zarutska and Stanislav Zarutskyi, she grew up in a family that valued education and perseverance. The 2022 invasion forced her to flee, leaving behind friends and dreams. Settling in Charlotte, North Carolina, Iryna found solace in simple routines: working at a neighborhood pizzeria, where she slung pizzas with enthusiasm, and building a new community. Friends recall her infectious laugh and determination to rebuild her life, often sharing stories of Ukrainian culture over slices of margherita.
That evening of August 22, 2025, seemed ordinary. After wrapping up her shift, Iryna penned the note on the counter, a habit among staff to communicate quick absences. “Back in 10″—perhaps to fetch supplies, meet someone, or just take a breather. This detail, revealed exclusively by a coworker, has proven vital. It maps her path: from the pizzeria to the East/West Boulevard station, a route she took regularly. But the train’s schedule betrayed her. Records indicate a 7-minute holdup, attributed to a signal malfunction, stranding passengers in vulnerability.
In those extra minutes, tragedy struck. Decarlos Dejuan Brown Jr., a 34-year-old local with a checkered past, boarded and zeroed in on Iryna. Eyewitnesses described a frenzied assault: Brown wielding a knife, stabbing her repeatedly as she fought back. The attack, caught on surveillance, has horrified viewers, showing blood-soaked seats and panicked riders. Iryna succumbed to her injuries at the scene, her dreams extinguished in an instant.
The delay’s role is under intense scrutiny. Transit experts question if it was preventable, with maintenance logs showing prior issues on the line. Some speculate sabotage, tying into broader concerns about urban infrastructure safety. Iryna’s refugee status has fueled theories: Was she targeted for her origins? Ukrainian officials have expressed outrage, linking the incident to rising anti-immigrant sentiments in the U.S.
Brown’s background adds intrigue. A Charlotte native, he faced homelessness and addiction, with arrests for minor crimes. Charged federally, his case now involves hate crime elements, as prosecutors argue prejudice motivated the attack. Defense claims suggest paranoia or hallucination, but the premeditation angle lingers—did he stalk her route?
Iryna’s personal life offers more layers. She was active in local Ukrainian groups, advocating for refugees. Phone data reveals messages about meeting someone that night, though details remain sealed. The note’s “back in 10” might imply a rendezvous, not just a break. Investigators are exploring if personal conflicts played a part, interviewing coworkers and acquaintances.
Her family’s anguish resonates globally. Stanislav Zarutskyi, her father, has called for reforms in public transit security. Memorials in Kyiv and Charlotte honor her, with murals depicting her as a symbol of resilience. The pizzeria, now quieter, bears her memory in every shift.
As the trial approaches, the 7-minute delay haunts all involved. Was it the catalyst for murder, or a red herring? The note, preserved as evidence, whispers of unfinished business. Iryna’s story compels us to question safety in everyday moments— and wonder if justice will reveal the full truth.
