CHARLOTTE — The man charged with killing Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska on the Charlotte light rail last summer has been found “incapable to proceed” on the state murder charge, according to court filings.
DeCarlos Brown is charged with murder in both state and federal court. Brown’s mother told Channel 9 he struggles with schizophrenia and had stopped taking his medicine.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE:
- CMPD releases video showing encounter with suspect before fatal light rail stabbing
- Family receives outpouring of support after Iryna Zarutska’s death
- Mother of accused light rail killer says she never thought her son could be violent
- Iryna Zarutska’s family seeks accountability in Charlotte light rail killing
- Jail call provides insight into light rail suspect’s mindset after fatal stabbing
Court documents filed by Brown’s public defender say a mental evaluation from December found Brown is not able to proceed with the charges.
His attorney is asking a judge to delay Brown’s next court hearing because of those findings, saying Brown can’t be reevaluated while in federal custody.
Click here for in-depth coverage of the light rail stabbing >>
The public defender is asking the court for a six-month pause in the state case.
Government officials say any competency determination made by the state is separate from the federal case.
VIDEO: Iryna Zarutska back in national spotlight; Trump rebukes Democrats’ response during speech
This browser does not support the video element.