Charlotte transit stabbing wrongful death lawsuit

The family of Iryna Zarutska, a Ukrainian refugee, has filed a wrongful death lawsuit in Mecklenburg County Superior Court against the City of Charlotte and Professional Security Services (PSS). The legal action follows the August 2025 fatal stabbing of Zarutska on a Lynx Blue Line light-rail train.

The lawsuit alleges “systemic failures” within the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) and claims that the city and its security contractor failed to implement adequate safety measures despite being aware of frequent violent crimes on the line. Specific allegations include a lack of security personnel on the train at the time of the attack and a failure by PSS to meet staffing requirements, with the company reportedly employing only 11 armed guards despite a contract allowing for up to 39. The plaintiffs suggest that the incident could have been prevented through increased security presence, better fare control, or the installation of turnstiles.

Decarlos Dejuan Brown Jr. is charged with the killing. Due to his mental state, he was ruled unfit to stand trial in June, a development that has impacted potential sentencing and contributed to public debate regarding transit safety in North Carolina.