23-year-old Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska was fatally stabbed on a light rail train in Charlotte, North Carolina on 22/8. The suspect, homeless man Decarlos Brown, has a long criminal record.

The incident has ignited debate about crime and the justice system after authorities released video of the attack. Brown's repeated release despite his criminal and mental health history is at the center of the controversy.

Since 2007, Brown has been arrested at least 14 times in North Carolina for various offenses, including assault, weapons possession, theft, and armed robbery.

Earlier this year, Brown called 911 claiming "artificial materials were controlling his behavior from the inside". When police said they couldn't help, Brown became angry and repeatedly called 911, leading to his arrest on 19/1 for abusing the emergency number.

Brown's mother told local media that her son has schizophrenia and should not have been on the streets. Despite this, Judge Teresa Stokes released Brown without bail, requiring only a signed promise to appear in court.

Stokes' decision is puzzling given Brown's 5-year prison sentence in 2014 for armed robbery. After his release, he was arrested again for assaulting his sister.

Free on the streets, Brown killed Zarutska. He is now held without bail in Mecklenburg County Jail.

"This is a tragic failure of the court and the judge. We arrest people who are quickly released, undermining our ability to protect the community. We need a bipartisan solution to address this and the issue of untreated mental illness," said Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles.

Decarlos Brown Jr. (left) and Iryna Zarutska. Photo: Newsweek

Many are shocked by Stokes' decision. "Brown is homeless, where would he go after being released? This is a massive failure. He has no support, his mother even disowned him due to his violence," said Zarutska's Charlotte neighbor.

The murder also exposes security flaws in Charlotte's public transit system. Brown allegedly evaded fares on both buses and trains.

Local police stopped patrolling the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) last December when CATS hired private security. The contract provides for 218 security personnel, but 15% of positions remain unfilled.

Charlotte City Council members discussed CATS crime after the attack. Many reported their constituents feel unsafe on public transit.

"This is deeply concerning. Clearly, the city's current safety policies are insufficient," warned council member Dimple Ajmera.

Duc Trung (NY Post, CBS News)