Suspect in Ukrainian Woman Zarutska's Murder in the U.S. Declared Incompetent for Trial, Competency to Be Reviewed – Media

The accused in the brutal murder of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska, which occurred in 2025, DeCarlos Brown, has been deemed mentally incompetent to stand trial. This information was reported by The Assembly, a publication from North Carolina, referencing a court document that confirms this status.

On Tuesday, December 29, 2025, Brown's attorneys filed a motion with the Mecklenburg Superior Court requesting a continuation of the hearing under Rule 24. This hearing is necessary for the judge to determine whether prosecutors can seek the death penalty. Brown underwent a psychiatric evaluation at the Central Regional Hospital, a state psychiatric facility in Granville County, after his defense team expressed concerns about his mental state.

According to the report obtained, Brown has been declared "incompetent to stand trial." This was confirmed by a motion filed by one of his attorneys, Daniel Roberts. The next step in this case will be a competency hearing in the Mecklenburg Superior Court located in Charlotte, where the murder took place. The judge has yet to determine whether Brown should stand trial.

In addition to the first-degree murder charge, Brown is also facing federal charges for committing an act of violence resulting in death on public transportation. Both state and federal prosecutors are seeking the death penalty for him, underscoring the severity of the charges against him.

It is important to note that Brown is undergoing a separate psychological evaluation within the federal prison system, with a report expected later this April. If Brown is found mentally incompetent to stand trial, the judge will need to conduct a competency hearing in federal court. The state case is currently on hold while Brown remains in federal custody. This means that Brown will not be tried in any court until issues regarding his mental state are resolved.

DeCarlos Brown, a 35-year-old man, has a long history of mental health issues. He has also repeatedly encountered the criminal justice system for less serious offenses such as breaking and entering and shoplifting. His longest prison term was 73 months for armed robbery. He has been arrested for actions indicating a propensity for violence, including an assault on his sister, but none of these cases resulted in convictions. Since 2024, Brown has reportedly been experiencing a mental health crisis and has frequently called the 911 helpline seeking help when it was not necessary. Police have repeatedly arrested him for abusing the assistance system.

Recall that in August 2025, homeless 34-year-old DeCarlos Brown Jr. murdered 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska in Charlotte, North Carolina. Iryna sustained multiple stab wounds and died at a public transportation stop, causing widespread public outrage.

U.S. President Donald Trump promised to investigate the "brutal stabbing" of Zarutska on the tram in Charlotte. He noted the mayor's refusal to condemn the murderer and pledged to take federal measures to address the situation. Later, Trump called for Brown to be sentenced to death, emphasizing the seriousness of the crime and the necessity for just punishment.