Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska’s father couldn’t attend her funeral due to the war. “She was sweet. Everyone loved her here. She did a lot of pet sitting for neighbors.
CHARLOTTE, NC — The father of Iryna Zarutska, a 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee who was fatally stabbed on a Charlotte train, was unable to attend her funeral in North Carolina due to wartime restrictions in his home country.
Zarutska, who had fled Ukraine with her family to escape the Russian invasion, was laid to rest on August 27. Her father, however, remains in Ukraine, where men of fighting age are required to stay under martial law.
“He had to stay back. He didn’t come for the funeral,” said a neighbor of the family in Charlotte. “He’s still there, bound by the wartime rules.”
The loss has devastated Zarutska’s family, who had come to the United States seeking safety. Her mother, younger brother, and sister now live in Charlotte.
“They’re taking it really hard,” the neighbor added. “She was sweet. The whole neighborhood loved her. She pet-sat for a lot of families around here. She was a good, kind person.”
An obituary described Zarutska as a talented artist with dreams of becoming a veterinary assistant. She was known for her creativity and compassion, often sharing her artwork with friends and family.
“She loved sculpting and designing unique clothing that reflected her vibrant spirit,” the tribute read. “Her absence leaves a deep void, but her spirit will forever remain in the hearts of those who loved her.”
The case has sparked outrage not only over the tragic loss but also over how the local government responded. Some residents were especially angered by the tone of a statement from Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles, who emphasized compassion for the alleged killer, citing broader issues related to mental health and homelessness.
“This is a tragic situation that sheds light on problems with society’s safety nets, especially around mental healthcare,” Lyles said in a statement to WSOC-TV. She noted that the suspect, identified as Derek Brown, had been diagnosed with schizophrenia. “Those who are unhoused are more frequently the victims of crimes, not the perpetrators,” she added.
Brown has been charged with murder. He has a criminal history, including a five-year prison sentence for a 2014 armed robbery. After his release in 2020, he was arrested again for assaulting his sister and, earlier this year, for misusing the 911 system — a charge for which he was released without bail on a written promise to appear in court.
To some in the community, the system failed Zarutska.
“It’s a major failure,” said the neighbor. “The mayor’s first statement showed more sympathy for the man who did it than for the victim. She didn’t even mention Iryna’s name — just called her ‘the young lady.’”
“It’s wild,” the neighbor said. “We lost a wonderful person. And it feels like no one in power is taking that seriously.”
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