How did the family of the deceased Ukrainian react?
In the United States, the man accused of murdering Ukrainian Irina Zarutska on a train has been declared mentally incompetent to stand trial. As a result, the case may be postponed for at least six months.
This is reported by RBC-Ukraine, citing WCNC.
Read also: Irina Zarutska’s murder: a famous rapper filmed a music video about the tragedy of the Ukrainian, but changed the ending (video)
Main points:
- Court decision: 35-year-old Dekarlos Brown was deemed “unable to participate in the process” due to his mental state.
- Delay of the case: The key hearing has been postponed for 180 days. For the next six months, the suspect will remain in a federal medical facility.
- Nature of the status: This is not a release from responsibility, but a suspension of the court until the accused is able to understand the proceedings.
- Double examination: In addition to the state investigation, a separate federal review is underway, which also affects the timelines.
- Family’s position: Irina Zarutska’s relatives are preparing a civil lawsuit for wrongful death and insist on proper justice, despite the delays.
What the court decided
According to court documents filed in Mecklenburg County, 35-year-old Dekarlos Brown was declared “unable to participate in the process.” This conclusion was made following an examination at Central Regional Hospital at the end of December 2025.
His lawyer filed a motion to postpone the key hearing for 180 days. The reason is the suspect’s stay in a federal facility, which makes it impossible to conduct the necessary procedures in the case.
The prosecution agreed to the postponement.
What “incompetent to stand trial” means
Lawyers explain that such a status does not mean release from responsibility. It refers to a situation where a person does not understand the essence of the judicial process and cannot assist their lawyer.
In such cases, the accused is usually sent to a specialized medical facility, where efforts are made to restore their ability to participate in court.
At the same time, another examination is ongoing at the federal level. This may also affect the timelines for the case. For now, the state proceedings are suspended, and the court date has not been set. Meanwhile, processes in state and federal courts continue separately.
Family’s reaction
For the family of the deceased, the new developments mean even greater uncertainty. The family’s lawyer stated that they want the case to be handled properly, even if it takes more time.
At the same time, the family is considering the possibility of filing a civil lawsuit for wrongful death.
What is known about the murder of the Ukrainian
23-year-old Irina Zarutska was killed on August 22, 2025, in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA. The girl was found with stab wounds at the South End tram station – medics pronounced her dead at the scene.
Irina had recently moved to the United States to escape the war in Ukraine. She lived in Charlotte, worked, and studied, dreaming of starting a new life.
According to police, the attack occurred in a train car of the city’s transit system. The suspect in the murder is Dekarlos Brown, who was arrested shortly after the tragedy. He had a criminal past and, according to media reports, issues with mental health.
The man is charged with murder on a mass transit facility, which could carry the harshest penalty – the death penalty. However, the motive for the attack has not yet been definitively established, and any acquaintance between him and the deceased has not been confirmed.
The state of North Carolina has signed the “Irina Law,” named in honor of Zarutska. The document tightens bail rules for dangerous offenders, particularly introducing additional checks and restrictions for individuals at risk of violence.
Source: rbc.ua +rel=”nofollow”
