The mother of Decarlos Brown Jr., the man accused of fatally stabbing Iryna Zarutska on a North Carolina train, has broken her silence, expressing her grief and frustration over her son’s mental health struggles.
On August 22, Brown, 34, allegedly attacked 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska, a Ukrainian refugee, while she was aboard a train. Surveillance footage reportedly shows Zarutska sitting in front of Brown before he pulled out a knife and fatally stabbed her. Brown has since been charged with first-degree murder and federal charges related to causing death on a mass transportation system.
Mental Health Struggles and Family’s Plea for Help
Brown’s family has shared their anguish over the attack, citing his long-standing battle with schizophrenia and mental health issues. His half-brother, Jeremiah, told the New York Post that the incident could have been prevented had authorities provided proper care.
In an emotional interview, Michelle Dewitt, Brown’s mother, explained how she and her family had repeatedly sought help for him but were met with a lack of resources and support. She claimed that local authorities failed her son when he was released after a prior arrest in January 2023 for misuse of the 911 system. She said, “He shouldn’t have been released,” referring to the fact that Brown had been allowed to walk free on a written promise after his arrest.
“I took him to a homeless shelter just days before the attack because he had become aggressive,” Michelle added. “When you bring someone to mental health, and they tell you ‘We don’t have enough space,’ it’s heartbreaking.”
Allegations of Schizophrenia and Delusions
Michelle also refuted allegations that her son’s attack on Zarutska was racially motivated. She insisted that Brown was “not racist” and had “dated all kinds of girls.” Instead, Michelle suggested that her son had become convinced that there was a “chip” controlling his thoughts, which led to his violent actions.
Prior to the incident, Brown had reportedly been arrested in January 2023 for calling 911 multiple times, during which he claimed that “man-made materials” inside him were controlling his body. Despite this, he was released and not detained, even after showing clear signs of mental instability.
Calls for Accountability and Consequences
Michelle and her family are now grappling with the consequences of the attack, and Jeremiah believes that his brother should receive mental health treatment but also face consequences for his actions. “They should still treat him for his mental issues, but there are consequences for his actions,” he said.
White House Press Secretary, Karoline Leavitt, criticized the early release, stating that Brown was “free to slaughter an innocent woman” due to the lack of appropriate detention or treatment.
Iryana Zarutska was killed on the train (Jamesfuneralhomelkn)
Upcoming Legal Consequences
As for Brown’s fate, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi has stated that authorities are considering seeking the death penalty for Brown, a decision that reflects the severity of the crime.
Michelle Dewitt has said that she plans to visit her son in jail and try to help him understand the gravity of his actions. “I don’t think he understands what’s happening,” she said. “He thinks he’ll be coming home soon.”
This tragic incident has highlighted serious concerns about how mental health issues are handled in the criminal justice system, with many questioning whether earlier intervention could have prevented this devastating outcome.
Featured Image Credit: Charlotte Area Transit System
