Police in Charlotte, North Carolina, have released surveillance video of the fatal stabbing of a 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee on a light rail train. The victim, identified as Irina Zarutska, had recently fled Ukraine before her death.
According to reports, the incident occurred on August 22. Zarutska was aboard a light rail train in Charlotte when a man seated behind her suddenly brandished a folding knife. The assailant, who was wearing a red shirt, reportedly stabbed her in the neck three times.
Zarutska collapsed and died from at least one stab wound to her throat. The attacker then walked to the other end of the rail car, removed his jacket, and exited the train.
Following the attack, the man was arrested on a first-degree murder charge. He was treated for a hand injury and has been ordered to undergo a mental health evaluation.
The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed Zarutska’s death, stating that the Ukrainian embassy in the United States is in contact with law enforcement, the investigating officers, and Zarutska’s mother.
Authorities have stated that Zarutska and the suspect were not acquainted and that an investigation into the motive for the attack is ongoing.