(NewsNation) — The family of the Ukrainian refugee killed on a Charlotte, North Carolina, light rail train is demanding justice and an investigation into lapses in safety measures to prevent the attack.
The family of Iryna Zarutska — a 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee who fled the war in her home country to the United States — issued a statement on Wednesday through their attorney.
The family said they’re committed to making sure violent attacks on the light rail never happen again, calling on city officials “to publicly address these failures and enact reforms.”
Decarlos Brown Jr., who police say is homeless and has a criminal record, was charged in Zarutska’s death. The U.S. Department of Justice has also filed federal charges against Brown, who could face life in prison or the death penalty.
“We charge, then we indict,” U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi said on Wednesday. “Then, legally, we make the decision whether or not to seek the death penalty. That is certainly on the table once he is indicted for this horrific crime.”
In the statement from the family’s attorney, they said they want to know why there was no visible security presence on the light rail, adding they want the justice system to ensure the person responsible is behind bars.
“This could have been anyone riding the light rail that night,” the family said.
According to the statement on behalf of Zarutska’s family, she was attending community college to improve her English, and was described as “kind and hardworking,” adding she was “deeply loved by her family and friends.”
Zarutska was on her way home from her job at a local pizza shop, and texted her boyfriend she would be home soon prior to the attack, the family said.
“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 said. “No family should have to go through this.”
Charlotte Area Transit released surveillance footage showing the brutal attack. Transit police arrived within minutes, but she was pronounced dead.
The family asked the media and the public to refrain from showing video of the fatal attack, asking for “restraint and compassion.”
Zarutska’s death has led to calls for stricter policies, underscoring President Donald Trump’s tough-on-crime agenda.
Some Republican lawmakers from North Carolina have also demanded the removal of a judge who released Brown in January for a prior criminal charge.