Fatal Light Rail Stabbing: Decarlos Brown’s Case Highlights Transit Safety Concerns in Charlotte
Tragic Incident on Charlotte’s Light Rail
A devastating incident occurred in North Carolina when a 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee was killed during an attack while riding a train. The suspect was identified as 34-year-old Decarlos Brown, who has been labeled as a repeat offender.
Details of the Incident
The incident took place on August 22, around 10 p.m., near the light rail station along Camden Road where East Boulevard and West Boulevard meet in Charlotte’s South End. According to investigators, Brown stabbed the victim in the throat three times with a pocket knife, with no prior interaction between the two.
Criminal History and Transit Security Concerns
Brown’s criminal record includes 14 previous court cases in Mecklenburg County. His past includes a six-year prison sentence for robbery with a dangerous weapon, breaking and entering, and larceny convictions from 2015. Notably, CATS confirmed that Brown did not have a ticket to ride the train, and there was no security present in the car where the attack occurred.
Legal Proceedings and Community Impact
On Thursday, August 28, 2025, Brown was transferred from Atrium Main hospital and served with his outstanding arrest warrant for murder. The tragic incident has ignited serious discussions about safety measures on Charlotte’s transit system, prompting calls for enhanced security measures and passenger protection protocols.
