Viral Claim About DeCarlos Brown’s Alleged Statement Lacks Evidence, Officials Confirm

A widely shared social media claim alleges DeCarlos Brown Jr. made a racial statement before killing Iryna Zarutska. This claim suggests he said, “I got that white girl,” moments before the attack. The murder occurred on a Charlotte transit line on August 22. However, official evidence does not support this allegation.

Police confirm the available CCTV footage from the incident contains no audio. This makes it impossible to verify what, if anything, was said. Authorities have not commented on any potential motive for the crime.

CCTV Footage Contradicts Viral Narrative

The surveillance video shows the moments leading up to the attack. Iryna Zarutska, a Ukrainian refugee, boarded the train after Brown. She sat in the seat directly in front of him. The footage shows no prior interaction between the two individuals.

Brown suddenly stands up and pulls out a pocketknife. He then slits Zarutska’s throat in a sudden, violent motion. The attack shocked other passengers on the train. The silent video provides no context for Brown’s actions or words.

Despite the lack of audio, the claim spread rapidly online. Many users framed the murder as a racially motivated hate crime. These posts often included the alleged quote to support this narrative. Law enforcement has not endorsed this theory.

DeCarlos Brown’s Extensive Criminal History Revealed

Court records reveal a long history of criminal activity for DeCarlos Brown Jr. His arrests span over a decade. They include charges for felony larceny, armed robbery, and making threats.

He served a five-year prison sentence for a 2014 armed robbery conviction. His record also includes multiple domestic violence incidents. More recently, he was arrested in January 2025 for abusing the 911 system.

According to reports from Reuters, his family sought psychiatric help for him. Medical professionals had previously diagnosed him with schizophrenia. His mother reported he had become increasingly violent before the tragic incident.

The investigation into Iryna Zarutska’s murder continues. Officials urge the public to rely on confirmed facts from law enforcement. The viral claim about the DeCarlos Brown statement remains unsubstantiated.

Info at your fingertips

What does the CCTV footage actually show?

The silent video shows Brown seated behind Zarutska. He stands up and attacks her without any apparent prior interaction. The footage does not include any audio.

Has a motive for the killing been confirmed?

No. Law enforcement officials have not publicly stated a motive for the attack. The investigation is still ongoing.

What is known about DeCarlos Brown’s background?

Court records show a long history of criminal charges and mental health struggles. He had been diagnosed with schizophrenia and had multiple prior arrests.

Who was Iryna Zarutska?

Iryna Zarutska was a Ukrainian refugee living in the United States. She was the victim of the fatal attack on the Charlotte transit line.