CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - The family of Iryna Zarutska, the 23-year-old refugee stabbed to death on a Charlotte light rail, issued a statement following the release of security footage that showed the Ukrainian woman’s death.

Family response

Zarutska was killed on Aug. 22 while riding the Charlotte Area Transportation System’s (CATS) Blue Line light rail.

“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,” said a family spokesperson in an official release on Wednesday, Sept. 10. “No family should have to go through this.”

Decarlos Brown Jr., 34, was arrested on Aug. 28 and charged with first-degree murder. During a court appearance, Zarutska’s uncle described her as a “sweet angel.”

Zarutska’s f

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