America is grieving the heartbreaking loss of Iryna Zarutska, a 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee who arrived in North Carolina in search of peace, only to fall victim to a senseless and unprovoked attack. On August 22, while she was boarding a train in Charlotte, she sent a text to her boyfriend indicating that she would be home shortly. Tragically, she never arrived. Her unexpected passing has left her loved ones devastated and has shocked the community.
Iryna had escaped the war-torn regions of Ukraine with her family in 2022 and was employed full-time at a pizzeria while also attending community college to improve her English skills. Friends and family described her as kind, diligent, and filled with hope. Her boyfriend, Stanislav “Stas” Nikulytsia, broke his silence days later by sharing a photo of them together and posting a broken heart emoji — a poignant expression of grief that resonated widely on social media.
Stas’s sorrow soon transformed into anger. He publicly criticized Magistrate Judge Teresa Stokes, who had previously released the accused assailant, Decarlos Brown Jr., on cashless bail months prior. Brown had a lengthy criminal record — totaling 14 arrests — and exhibited concerning behavior that had even led his own family to express worries about his mental health.
Criticism of the justice system rapidly escalated. North Carolina House Speaker Tim Moore denounced Judge Stokes’s ruling, labeling her unfit for her position and attributing the failure to protect Iryna to systemic flaws. He joined others in advocating for judicial reform to avert similar tragedies involving repeat offenders.
As public outrage continues to mount, the love story between Iryna and Stas remains at the heart of this tragedy. The couple had been constructing a life together in Charlotte, filled with aspirations for the future. That future has now been irrevocably taken from them. Stas’s heartbreak, much like that of Iryna’s family, serves as a painful reminder of the profound loss.
As Charlotte mourns, Iryna’s legacy becomes a rallying cry for action. Her life — characterized by bravery and potential — must serve as a catalyst for meaningful reform and a renewed dedication to justice, compassion, and safety for all who seek refuge in America.
