Majority of Voters Back Death Penalty in Charlotte Train Stabbing

A brutal stabbing on Charlotte’s Lynx light rail system that claimed the life of 22-year-old Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska has sparked national outrage and renewed debate about violent crime and punishment in America. A new Rasmussen Reports survey shows 60% of likely voters believe the suspect, 34-year-old Decarlos Brown Jr., should face the death penalty if convicted. Brown, who has a long criminal history and has been diagnosed with schizophrenia, is being prosecuted under federal law for committing an act causing death on a mass transportation system—a charge that carries a possible death sentence. The survey also reveals widespread support for keeping violent offenders with mental illness in custody, with 82% of voters across party and racial lines agreeing such suspects should not be released while awaiting trial. More than half of voters say America is too soft on violent criminals, underscoring how Zarutska’s tragic death has intensified concerns about public safety and accountability.