Man accused of killing Iryna Zarutska on Charlotte light rail found ‘incapable to proceed’

A state psychiatric facility determined the man accused of killing Iryna Zarutska on a Charlotte light rail last year is “incapable to proceed” in his murder charge.

The case is expected to be delayed until the court deems his capacity “restored.”

According to a motion filed on Tuesday, April 7, Decarlos Brown Jr. was evaluated at Central Regional Hospital, and a report from Dec. 29, 2025, determined he was incapable of proceeding. A judge still has to decide whether to accept those findings.

Brown’s public defender is asking the court to continue the case, and specifically a hearing to determine whether the death penalty will be sought, for 180 days.

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