Mother of Iryna Zarutska: refuses an offer by the ’embassy to return her body to her home country, saying, “No, She loved America,” and would be buried in the United States

At an emotional press conference in Charlotte, North Carolina, U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson announced a federal charge against the man accused of killing 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska, a Ukrainian refugee fatally stabbed aboard a Charlotte light rail train on August 22.

Ferguson revealed that Zarutska’s mother declined an offer from the Ukrainian embassy to repatriate her daughter’s remains, stating, “She loved America,” and choosing instead to have her buried in Charlotte. The funeral was held on August 27, just five days after her tragic death.

Zarutska arrived in the United States in 2022 with her mother, brother, and sister to escape the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Her father, still in Ukraine, was unable to attend the funeral due to wartime travel restrictions that prohibit military-aged men from leaving the country.

“She had to be laid to rest without her father by her side,” said a neighbor of the family, who described the loss as deeply painful. “They’re taking it really hard.”

The neighbor also recalled Zarutska’s presence in the community with warmth. “She was sweet. The whole neighborhood loved her. She did a lot of pet sitting for neighbors. She was a good, sweet person.”

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🚨 U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson: “After Iryna’s death, the Embassy in Ukraine called and said, ‘We’ll help you bring her home.’ And her family said, ‘no, she loved America, we’re gonna bury her here.'” pic.twitter.com/HHgcUFguNl

— Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) September 9, 2025

Authorities have charged 31-year-old Decarlos Brown, Jr., a repeat offender, with one federal count of committing an act causing death on a mass transportation system. FBI Special Agent in Charge James Barnacle, Jr. joined Ferguson at the press conference, both visibly emotional as they discussed the case.

A Life Remembered

Born on May 22, 2002, in Kyiv, Ukraine, Iryna Zarutska was a talented artist and recent graduate of Synergy College, where she earned a degree in Art and Restoration. After fleeing the war, she quickly adapted to her new life in America, becoming fluent in English and working toward a career as a veterinary assistant.

Zarutska was known for her artistic spirit, love for animals, and bright presence in her Charlotte neighborhood. She often walked neighbors’ dogs and created custom clothing and artwork that reflected her unique personality.

Though she loved exploring new places with friends, her family remembers her as someone happiest at home, surrounded by loved ones. Her mother affectionately recalled Iryna’s ability to sleep for hours, calling it an “artist’s gift.”

She is survived by her parents, Anna Zarutska and Stanislav Zarutskyi; her sister, Valeriia; her brother, Bohdan; her life partner, Stas Nikulytsia; and extended family in both the U.S. and Ukraine.

“Iryna will be remembered for her kindness, creativity, and the joy she brought to everyone around her,” her obituary reads. “Her absence leaves a deep void, but her spirit will forever live in the hearts of those who loved her.”

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