America mourns the tragic loss of 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska, who came to Charlotte, North Carolina, seeking safety and a better life, only to be killed in an unprovoked attack on August 22. Iryna had boarded a train expecting to return home to her loved ones, even texting her boyfriend that she “would be home soon.” Instead, her life was violently cut short, leaving her family shattered and the community demanding answers.
Her boyfriend, Stanislav “Stas” Nikulytsia, has spoken publicly, expressing grief and outrage over the judge who allowed the accused attacker, Decarlos Brown Jr., back on the streets months earlier despite his long criminal history. Brown had been arrested 14 times before the incident, and family members had described him as unstable and violent. Judge Teresa Stokes had released him on cashless bail, a decision now under intense scrutiny as many argue it directly endangered the public.
Iryna’s story was one of hope and determination. She fled Ukraine in 2022 with her family, escaping war, and worked full-time while attending community college. She was remembered as kindhearted, hardworking, and devoted to her loved ones. The young couple had been building a life together in Charlotte, full of shared dreams and plans for the future.
Community leaders and faith groups have rallied around her family, calling for justice and systemic reform to prevent similar tragedies. North Carolina House Speaker Tim Moore criticized the justice system, calling for accountability and oversight. While debates over policy continue, Iryna’s life and love with Stas remain central. Her story is a stark reminder that compassion, justice, and public safety are essential, and her memory demands that communities and leaders act to protect those seeking refuge and peace.
