Iryna Zarutska’s Alleged Killer Found Incompetent to Stand Trial ‘At This Time’

The man accused of killing Iryna Zarutska on a light rail train in Charlotte last year was in federal court on Tuesday for a competency hearing.

That man — 35-year-old Decarlos Brown Jr. — was found incompetent to proceed to trial “at this time,” US Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina Russ Ferguson said.

Ferguson addressed reporters outside the courthouse immediately after the June 9 hearing and expressed confidence that Brown will eventually stand trial, despite Tuesday’s ruling.

“The court found that his prognosis is ‘good’ to be made competent and set a four-month deadline to have that process go forward,” Ferguson said. “The court ordered that he seek treatment and medication.”

The US attorney reiterated that Brown will stay in federal custody throughout the treatment. He said Brown’s treatment will be conducted by a doctor who will likely have several meetings with Brown and will give him individualized care.

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Brown was in person Tuesday for the hearing in Uptown Charlotte and reportedly had an “outburst” during the appearance.

One WBTV reporter said Brown was heard saying he was having a “body emergency” among other things.

Ferguson was asked about the outburst during the impromptu news conference.

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Despite Ferguson seemingly concurring that Brown is not currently ready for trial, he remained confident Brown eventually would be.

Ferguson ended his brief media session by noting that the doctor who examined Brown for the June 9 hearing found his prognosis for restoration was “very good.” Ferguson said he believes Brown will eventually stand trial.

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