Mother of Iryna Zarutska: 'She Loved America'

The mother of 23-year-old murdered Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska refused an offer by the ’embassy in Ukraine’ to return her body to her home country, saying, “She loved America,” and would be buried in the United States, according to U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson at an emotional press conference in Charlotte, North Carolina Tuesday announcing a federal charge against her alleged killer, career criminal Decarlos Brown, Jr.

Zarutska was buried in Charlotte on August 27, less than a week after her brutal stabbing murder on a Charlotte light rail train on the night of August 22.

Zarutska had come to the U.S. in 2022 with her mother, brother and sister as a refugee from Russia’s war on Ukraine. Her father was barred from leaving Ukraine to attend her funeral due to wartime travel restrictions for fighting age men, according to the New York Post:

The father of the Ukrainian refugee knifed to death on a Charlotte train had to miss her funeral in North Carolina because he is stuck at home due to Russia’s invasion — inflicting yet another scar on a family that fled the war for the comparative safety of the US.

Iryna Zarutska, 23, was buried in Charlotte on Aug. 27, but her father was unable to leave Ukraine because he is of fighting-age and required to remain in the country while its war rages on.

“He had to stay back. He didn’t come for the funeral,” said a neighbor of Zarutska’s family in Charlotte.

…“They’re taking it really hard,” the neighbor told The Post, explaining Zarutska’s mother, younger brother and sister also live in the US.

“She was sweet. The whole neighborhood loved her. Everyone loved her here. She did a lot of pet sitting for neighbors. She was a good, sweet person,” the neighbor added.

Obituary for Iryna Zarutska:

Iryna Zarutska, 23, of Charlotte, North Carolina, passed away on Friday, 22 August 2025.

Born on 22 May 2002, in Kyiv, Ukraine, Iryna was the beloved daughter of Anna Zarutska and Stanislav Zarutskyi. In August 2022, she emigrated from Ukraine with her mother, sister, and brother to escape the war, and she quickly embraced her new life in the United States.

A gifted and passionate artist, Iryna graduated from Synergy College in Kyiv with a degree in Art and Restoration. She shared her creativity generously, gifting family and friends with her artwork. She loved sculpting and designing unique, eclectic clothing that reflected her vibrant spirit.

Iryna also had a deep love for animals. She often cared for her neighbors’ pets, and many fondly remember seeing her walking them through the neighborhood, always with her radiant smile. She dreamed of pursuing a career as a Veterinary Assistant while also working toward her independence by learning to drive. Remarkably, she became fluent in English within a very short time, reflecting her determination and love of learning.

Though she enjoyed adventures, sightseeing, and exploring new places with her close friends, Iryna was also a homebody at heart, happiest when surrounded by family and loved ones. Her mother lovingly recalls her ability to sleep for wonderfully long stretches—something she affectionately called an “artist’s gift.”

Iryna is survived by her parents, Anna and Stanislav; her sister, Valeriia; her brother, Bohdan; her life partner, Stas Nikulytsia; aunt, Valeria Haskell (Frank Scott); her cousins, Vera Falkner and Viktor Falkner; and many cherished family members and friends.

Iryna will be remembered for her kindness, her creativity, and the lasting impression she left on everyone she met. Her absence leaves a deep void, but her spirit will forever remain in the hearts of those who loved her.

Full video of the press conference announcing a federal charge of “one count of committing an act causing death on a mass transportation system.” U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson and FBI Special Agent in Charge James Barnacle, Jr. appeared to hold back their emotions several times as they addressed reporters.