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Sister of Suspect in Iryna Zarutska’s Killing Says He Was Crying for Help

Tracey Brown, sister of Decarlos Brown Jr., says her brother battled severe mental illness for years and warned of his declining state long before the fatal Charlotte light rail stabbing of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska.

“He was not safe. He was a high risk. We knew it. The state failed him. And now an innocent woman is dead,” Tracey said.

She described her brother as a paranoid schizophrenic who believed the government had implanted a chip in his body. In a jail call, he claimed it wasn’t truly him who killed Zarutska, but “the material in his body.”

Tracey herself was assaulted by Decarlos in 2022 and said his condition deteriorated rapidly after his release from prison. He became increasingly aggressive, unable to keep a job or carry coherent conversations.

Despite her efforts to get him long-term care, she was told she couldn’t act because she wasn’t his legal guardian.

Suspect in Professor’s Murder Previously Faced Gun Charge, Received Probation

The man suspected of killing a retired Auburn University professor last weekend had previously been arrested in 2023 on a gun-related felony charge — a crime that carried a potential sentence of two to 10 years in prison if convicted. However, court records show that prosecutors later dropped the felony charge.

Instead, the suspect was convicted of lesser misdemeanor offenses and sentenced to 12 months of unsupervised probation. No jail time was served.

The decision to reduce the charges and forgo supervision is now under renewed scrutiny following the professor’s tragic death. Critics argue it may reflect larger gaps in the criminal justice system’s ability to address repeat offenders and prevent future violence.

Law enforcement officials have not yet released further details about the professor’s killing or whether the suspect had additional prior offenses. The investigation remains ongoing, and charges in the current case are expected to be filed soon.

Elon Musk Pledges $1M to Fund Murals Honoring Iryna Zarutska Across U.S.

Elon Musk has pledged $1 million to support the creation of murals honoring Iryna Zarutska, the 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee tragically killed in Charlotte. The initiative aims to transform grief into public remembrance through art.

The pledge expands on a previous $500,000 campaign offering $10,000 grants to artists who create murals in Zarutska’s memory across major U.S. cities. Organizers say the project seeks to preserve her legacy, raise awareness about violence against women and immigrants, and inspire healing through visual storytelling.

Murals are expected to begin appearing later this year, with community input guiding locations and designs.

Family of Iryna Zarutska Speaks Out Following Her Tragic Death

The family of Iryna Zarutska has issued their first public statement through their attorney, expressing heartbreak and calling for justice after the 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee was fatally stabbed aboard a Charlotte light rail train.

“No family should have to go through this,” the statement begins, describing Iryna as “a kind and hardworking young woman, deeply loved by her family and friends.”

They emphasized that their immediate priority is ensuring accountability for her death and that those responsible are brought to justice.

The family also pointed to a wider public safety issue, stating that Iryna’s tragic death reflects a broader crisis that demands urgent attention from city leaders and the community.

As they continue to grieve, the Zarutska family asked for privacy and compassion during this difficult time, while reaffirming their commitment to seeing that Iryna’s life is honored through truth, justice, and lasting change.

Family History of Violence Resurfaces in Charlotte Murder Case

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The recent killing of 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska has reignited scrutiny of a troubling family history of violent crime.

Authorities have charged 35-year-old Decarlos Brown Jr. with fatally stabbing Zarutska aboard a Charlotte light rail train on August 22. Now, it’s been revealed that Brown’s half-brother, Stacey Dejon Brown, was previously convicted in the 2012 murder of 65-year-old Robert Heym.

According to court documents, Stacey Brown, then 22, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder after he and an accomplice confronted Heym during a robbery and shot him in the face. The victim was found fatally wounded near the Scaleybark light rail station — an eerie parallel to Zarutska’s killing years later.

Investigators said Brown’s then-girlfriend played a key role in the case, telling police he confessed to the shooting and hid the sawed-off shotgun in her backpack. Brown was sentenced to 27–36 years for multiple charges including murder, armed robbery, and assault.

The case was part of a broader pattern of criminal activity involving Brown and others, including armed robbery and vehicle break-ins in the months leading up to Heym’s death.

Family members and advocates point to a generational cycle of violence, mental health issues, and unresolved trauma. “This isn’t just one crime — it’s a repeating tragedy,” said a community advocate. “We need real solutions that start with healing and prevention.”

The deaths of Heym and Zarutska — two innocent victims, years apart — highlight the devastating consequences of unchecked violence.

🕊️ May their memories be a call for change.

Fatal Crash Shuts Down I-15 Northbound in Salt Lake City

SALT LAKE CITY — A fatal crash has led to the full closure of all northbound lanes on I-15 at the I-80 Eastbound interchange, according to the Utah Highway Patrol (UHP).

Officials report that the incident occurred around 7:38 a.m. when a red Jeep rear-ended a black Dodge pickup truck. Tragically, the driver of the Jeep was pronounced dead at the scene. The identity of the deceased has not yet been released.

The crash has caused significant traffic delays, with backups stretching from Salt Lake City all the way to Lehi. Commuters are being urged to seek alternative routes as emergency crews remain on site conducting an investigation.

Photos from the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) show a heavy emergency response presence and severe congestion in the affected area.

Authorities have not provided an estimated time for when the lanes will reopen, and drivers should plan for extended delays during the morning commute. UHP and UDOT are continuing to monitor the scene and will provide updates as the investigation unfolds.

This is a developing story. More information will be provided as it becomes available.

Woman Fatally Shot While Trying to Protect Another in Philadelphia Altercation

PHILADELPHIA — A woman trying to break up a violent altercation was fatally shot outside a 7-Eleven at 12th and Chestnut Streets, authorities confirmed.

The victim, 33-year-old Lauren Jadine, was tragically killed while intervening in a heated argument between a man and his girlfriend. Witnesses say Lauren saw 45-year-old John Kelly aggressively confronting the woman while holding a screwdriver. Concerned for the woman’s safety, Lauren stepped in to de-escalate the situation.

According to prosecutors, Lauren was carrying an unlicensed firearm and pulled it out amid the confrontation. During the struggle, Kelly allegedly overpowered her, took the weapon, and fatally shot her.

Police revealed that Lauren had been in the area attending a job fair earlier that day. Her bag contained job applications, training materials, and documents indicating she was working toward obtaining a commercial driver’s license, along with certifications in HVAC repair and forklift operation.

Kelly, who has a lengthy criminal history, has been charged with murder. Previous charges against him reportedly include harassment and making threats.

The community is mourning the loss of Lauren, who by all accounts was trying to help someone in danger. Her tragic death underscores the risks bystanders face when stepping in to stop acts of violence—and the lasting impact such violence has on the lives of those working to better themselves and their communities.

Authorities Have Identified 32-year-old Levern Hill as The Man fatally Shot Over The Weekend in Los Angeles’ Westlake District.

LOS ANGELES (Sept. 10, 2025) — Authorities have identified 32-year-old Levern Hill as the man fatally shot over the weekend in Los Angeles’ Westlake District. The confirmation comes from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office.

According to investigators, the incident started as an altercation between Hill and another individual near 619 South Westlake Avenue, close to MacArthur Park. The busy area, frequented by pedestrians and commuters, became the scene of violence when the argument escalated and shots were fired around 4:12 p.m. on Saturday. Hill was critically wounded during the exchange.

The suspect fled the scene on a scooter, police said. Emergency personnel transported Hill to a nearby hospital, but he succumbed to his injuries and was declared dead.

The LAPD reported that detectives are actively reviewing evidence to determine the events that led to the shooting. No information about the suspect has been released so far.

Authorities are asking anyone with information to contact the LAPD Rampart Station at 213-484-3400 or Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477. Tips can also be submitted anonymously at www.lacrimestoppers.org.

This fatal shooting has added to the concerns of rising violence in the Westlake community. Law enforcement officials emphasized the importance of community cooperation in solving such crimes and supporting grieving families.

As the investigation continues, authorities reaffirm their commitment to finding the perpetrator and delivering justice. Hill’s death marks another tragic loss in a city grappling with increasing gun violence.

The tragic murder of 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska in Charlotte has sparked debate not only about public safety but also about how information is managed online. Zarutska was stabbed to death on August 22 while riding a light rail train home from work. Surveillance footage shows the attack, and police have identified the suspect as 34-year-old Decarlos Brown Jr., who has a criminal history dating back to 2007.

According to reports, Wikipedia editors attempted to delete the entry about Zarutska’s death, arguing it didn’t meet notability guidelines. They also removed the alleged attacker’s name, citing Wikipedia’s policy against naming non-public figures accused of crimes before conviction. Editors debated whether to describe the incident as a “murder” or “killing” and whether to mention the suspect’s criminal history.

Despite nearly 350 edits in 24 hours, the community ultimately voted to keep the article, though Brown’s name remains omitted. The controversy has raised questions about bias, editorial standards, and transparency on Wikipedia, especially when it comes to violent crimes.

This incident highlights the delicate balance between reporting facts and adhering to policies meant to prevent defamation, while also leaving the public wondering how some high-profile tragedies are portrayed—or suppressed—online.

VP JD Vance Comments on Charlotte Train Stabbing, Draws Subway Comparison

Vice President JD Vance weighed in on the tragic stabbing of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska aboard a Charlotte light rail train, drawing a controversial comparison to the actions of Marine veteran Daniel Penny on the New York City subway.

Vance highlighted what he sees as a stark contrast in public perception. He stated that Penny, who intervened in a subway altercation in NYC and was widely criticized, acted heroically to prevent potential loss of life. Meanwhile, the attack that claimed Zarutska’s life underscores the dangers of such violent incidents, yet the response to her death has prompted calls for justice and swift legal action.

In his remarks, Vance framed both incidents as examples of public safety challenges and the differing societal reactions to individuals involved in crises. The Charlotte case remains under investigation, and authorities continue to gather evidence and seek justice for Zarutska, who came to the United States seeking safety and a better life.

The tragic event has sparked renewed discussions about safety on public transportation, the treatment of heroes and bystanders in violent situations, and the broader responsibility communities and authorities hold in preventing such tragedies.