In the bustling city of Charlotte, North Carolina, a young woman’s routine evening turned into a nightmare that has gripped the nation. Iryna Zarutska, a 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee who had fled the horrors of war in her homeland, was brutally stabbed to death on the Lynx Blue Line light rail train. But new revelations from a coworker have unearthed a chilling detail: a handwritten note left on the counter of the pizzeria where she worked, timestamped at 6:58 pm, reading simply, “Shift done, back in 10.” Investigators are now piecing together a timeline that raises more questions than answers, including an unexplained 7-minute delay on the train that may have altered the course of her final moments. What was supposed to be a quick errand has become the focal point of a mystery that begs the question—did fate intervene, or was there a darker force at play?
Iryna Zarutska’s story begins far from the tracks of Charlotte’s public transit system. Born on May 22, 2002, in Kyiv, Ukraine, she was the cherished daughter of Anna Zarutska and Stanislav Zarutskyi. Growing up amid the vibrant yet turbulent streets of her hometown, Iryna dreamed of a brighter future. When Russia’s invasion shattered her world in 2022, she made the heart-wrenching decision to seek refuge in the United States. Arriving in Charlotte as part of a wave of Ukrainian displaced persons, she quickly adapted to her new life, finding employment at a local pizzeria. Colleagues described her as hardworking, always with a warm smile, and eager to learn English while sending money back to her family.
On that fateful evening of August 22, 2025, Iryna finished her shift at the pizzeria, a modest spot known for its thin-crust pies and friendly atmosphere. According to the exclusive account from her coworker, who spoke on condition of anonymity, Iryna scribbled the note on a napkin and placed it on the counter before stepping out. “Shift done, back in 10,” it said—indicating she planned to return shortly, perhaps after running a quick errand or grabbing something from nearby. This note, now a key piece of evidence, confirms her intended route: a short walk to the East/West Boulevard station to catch the Lynx Blue Line, a common path for many commuters in the area.
But here’s where the timeline takes a puzzling turn. Surveillance footage and transit records show that Iryna boarded the train around 7:05 pm, aligning with her quick departure from work. Yet, an unexpected 7-minute delay occurred shortly after, halting the train in its tracks due to what officials initially called a “minor signal issue.” During this standstill, chaos erupted. Witnesses reported a man, later identified as Decarlos Dejuan Brown Jr., 34, approaching Iryna in a seemingly unprovoked manner. What followed was a horrific attack: Brown allegedly stabbed her multiple times, leaving her lifeless on the floor of the carriage as passengers screamed in terror.
The delay has become a crux in the investigation. Without it, would Iryna have reached her destination safely? Investigators believe the note solidifies her planned movements, ruling out any deviation from her routine. But why the delay? Was it truly a technical glitch, or could it have been manipulated? Conspiracy theories have swirled online, with some suggesting foul play involving transit authorities or even ties to international intrigue given Iryna’s refugee status. Her background as a Ukrainian fleeing war has added layers of complexity, turning a local crime into a national flashpoint.
Decarlos Dejuan Brown Jr., the accused, has a troubled history. Born and raised in Charlotte, the 34-year-old had prior run-ins with the law, including charges for assault and drug possession. At the time of the incident, he was reportedly homeless and struggling with mental health issues. Federal charges have since been filed against him, elevating the case to a hate crime investigation due to Iryna’s immigrant status. Brown’s defense team argues diminished capacity, claiming he was under the influence and not targeting her specifically. But the brutality of the attack—captured on gruesome video footage that has since leaked online—paints a picture of raw violence that defies easy explanation.
As the case unfolds, Iryna’s family back in Ukraine grapples with unimaginable grief. Her mother, Anna, has publicly shared stories of Iryna’s resilience, how she volunteered at local shelters in Charlotte and aspired to study nursing. “She was full of life, always helping others,” Anna said in a translated interview. The Ukrainian community in the U.S. has rallied, holding vigils and demanding justice, while politicians have seized on the tragedy to debate immigration policies and public safety.
The pizzeria where Iryna worked has become a makeshift memorial, with flowers and candles adorning the counter where she left her final note. Customers whisper about the “ghost shift,” wondering if she’ll ever “come back in 10.” Investigators continue to pore over phone records, witness statements, and that enigmatic delay. Was it coincidence, or the thread that unraveled her life? As more details emerge, one thing is clear: Iryna Zarutska’s story is far from over, and the truth may be more shocking than anyone imagines.
