Charlotte family files wrongful death lawsuit over light-rail stabbing

The family of Iryna Zarutska has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the City of Charlotte and Professional Security Services (PSS), a private transit security contractor. The lawsuit follows the August 22, 2025, fatal stabbing of Zarutska, a Ukrainian refugee, aboard a Lynx Blue Line light-rail train.

The complaint alleges “systemic failures” within the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) that left the rail system vulnerable. Specifically, the suit claims no security guard was present on the train at the time of the attack. It further accuses PSS of failing to meet staffing requirements, alleging the company had only 11 armed guards despite a contract allowing for up to 39.

Decarlos Dejuan Brown Jr., 34, is charged with the killing. He was recently ruled incompetent, which has impacted potential sentencing.