A tense courtroom scene unfolded in Charlotte on Tuesday when Decarlos Brown Jr., 35, repeatedly disrupted proceedings during a federal hearing tied to the fatal stabbing of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska.
Brown shouted at the presiding judge, demanding confirmation that his mental health evaluation had been reviewed and insisting he should be allowed to file charges against the FBI.
Court officers eventually moved in to restrain and remove him as his outburst escalated, with Brown continuing to yell about alleged “material in his body” and questioning whether a letter from his mother had reached the judge.
Judge Declares Defendant Mentally Incompetent to Proceed
The hearing centered on a ruling from US District Judge Kenneth D. Bell, who formally found Brown currently unfit to stand trial.
The decision followed expert psychiatric assessments concluding that Brown lacks the capacity to understand the proceedings or assist in his own defense.
As a result, the judge ordered that Brown be transferred to a federal medical facility for treatment, marking a significant pause in both the federal and state cases linked to the killing of 23-year-old Zarutska.
Serious Federal Charges and Paused State Case
Brown faces a federal charge of causing death on a mass transportation system, an offense that carries the possibility of the death penalty.
He is also separately charged with first-degree murder in North Carolina state court, though those proceedings have been temporarily halted pending the federal competency process.
Court filings indicate that Brown’s mental health issues include repeated claims of a so-called “body emergency” and assertions that his actions are influenced by external technological control—claims not supported by medical evidence presented in court.
Medical Evaluation Points to Possible Recovery
Federal mental health experts concluded that while Brown is not fit for trial at present, his condition may improve with proper treatment.
The court described his prognosis for restoration as “favorable,” provided he receives appropriate medication and care.
Judge Bell authorized up to four months of treatment under federal custody, after which the court will reassess whether Brown can be restored to competency or if further intervention is needed.
Prosecutors Emphasize Path Toward Justice
Outside the courthouse, US Attorney Russ Ferguson said the ruling represented a procedural step rather than an endpoint in the case.
He noted that Brown would remain in federal custody during treatment and reiterated that prosecutors remain focused on securing justice for Zarutska and her family.
Ferguson also acknowledged Brown’s disruptive courtroom behavior, saying it was unclear what he intended to communicate during the outburst, but linking it to previously documented delusional claims raised in the case.
Fatal Train Attack That Shocked Charlotte
Zarutska was killed in August 2025 while riding a Charlotte commuter train after finishing a shift at a pizza restaurant.
Surveillance footage allegedly shows Brown boarding the train, sitting behind her, and later attacking her with a switchblade.
According to investigators, she was sitting alone and looking at her phone when the assault occurred.
She died from her injuries shortly after the stabbing, which authorities say involved a slashing wound to her throat.
Life of a Young Refugee Cut Short
Originally from Ukraine, Zarutska had fled the war following Russia’s invasion in search of safety in the United States.
Family members described her as a creative and adventurous young woman who had recently begun building a new life abroad.
She had studied art and restoration in Kyiv and was remembered for sharing her artwork with friends and relatives.
Her death sparked widespread shock and renewed debate in the Charlotte community over public safety and repeat offenders.
Defendant’s Mental State and Criminal History Under Scrutiny
Brown was arrested shortly after the killing and has remained in custody since.
Prior evaluations in both state and federal cases have found him incompetent to proceed to trial.
Court records also reveal a lengthy criminal history, including multiple prior arrests for serious offenses.
He had been released months before the killing on a written promise to return to court.
Next Steps in the Legal Process
Brown will undergo court-ordered psychiatric treatment in a federal facility for up to four months.
After that period, the court will determine whether he has been restored to competency, requires further treatment, or remains unfit for trial.
The case will remain paused in state court while federal proceedings regarding competency continue.
