Decarlos Brown Jr. has reportedly disclosed a possible motive for the killing of Iryna Zarutska.
On August 22, Zarutska was fatally stabbed on a train in North Carolina. Surveillance video has identified Brown as a primary suspect in her murder, leading to his charge of first-degree murder.
In addition to state charges, Brown is facing federal accusations, with President Trump advocating for the death penalty. Brown, who has a history of mental health challenges, including a diagnosis of schizophrenia, is currently detained.
While in custody, Brown has communicated with his sister, Tracey Brown, over the phone. In a recorded conversation six days post-arrest, Brown allegedly recounted the incident to Tracey.
“I hurt my hand, stabbing her. I don’t even know the lady,” he purportedly mentioned to his sister, according to audio acquired by the Daily Mail.
He continued in the audio: “I never said not one word to the lady at all. That’s scary, ain’t it. Why would somebody stab somebody for no reason?”
Brown urged the police to investigate the ‘materials’ inside him that he felt were ‘controlling’ him.
Discussing these ‘materials’, Brown suggested they were the motive behind Zarutska’s death: “They just lashed out on her, that’s what happened. Whoever was working the materials they lashed out on her. That’s all there is to it.”
“Now they really gotta investigate what my body was exposed to,” the audio further stated. “Now they gotta do an investigation as to who was the motive behind what happened.”
It is believed that Brown has previously mentioned these ‘materials’ affecting him.
In January, he was arrested for ‘misuse of the 911 system.’ According to The Telegraph, during a welfare check, Brown informed officers about ‘man-made’ materials inside him that were controlling his actions.
Brown was reportedly ‘upset’ by the police response and subsequently called 911 while they were still present, leading to his charge.
The family of Iryna Zarutska, a Ukrainian refugee, has expressed their sorrow following her tragic death.
“We are heartbroken beyond words. Iryna came here to find peace and safety, and instead her life was stolen from her in the most horrific way,” a family spokesperson stated.
“No family should have to go through this,” the spokesperson added.
The family relocated to the US in 2022 to escape the conflict in Ukraine.
If you or someone you know is facing a crisis, assistance is available through Mental Health America. You can reach a 24-hour crisis center by calling or texting 988 or through webchat at 988lifeline.org. Alternatively, contact the Crisis Text Line by texting MHA to 741741 for support.