Prosecutors and defense agree to seek competency ruling for Charlotte train stabbing suspect

Federal prosecutors and defense attorneys agree on pursuing a competency determination for the man charged with a fatal stabbing on a Charlotte light rail train, according to court filings submitted Thursday.

The filings represent a key shift in the federal case against Decarlos Dejuan Brown Jr., 34, accused in the stabbing death of Iryna Zarutska, a 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee, on the city's Lynx Blue Line.

A Bureau of Prisons evaluation determined Brown is not competent to stand trial following an extensive review that included interviews, medical records and direct observation over multiple sessions, prosecutors said.

Federal officials stated the evaluation also concluded Brown could likely be restored to competency through treatment.

Brown's attorneys asked the court to declare him incompetent and commit him to a secure federal medical facility. They argued his mental illness prevents him from understanding legal proceedings, making rational decisions about his case or assisting his defense team.

The attorneys cited federal examiners' findings that Brown lacks a factual understanding of the legal system and cannot help his lawyers due to his condition.

Federal law requires transfer to the attorney general's custody for hospitalization and treatment at a specialized facility if a judge agrees.

Prosecutors noted the initial treatment period can last up to four months, with extensions possible if doctors find a substantial chance of restoration. Treatment may involve medication, including involuntary administration under certain legal standards.

A finding of incompetence would not dismiss the case. Prosecutors stressed it would pause proceedings while aiming to restore competency so the case can continue.

Brown would stay in custody and could face trial if his condition improves. He faces charges under a federal statute for violence on a mass transportation system, which carries a possible life sentence or death penalty.

These federal developments follow a state court ruling that Brown was incapable of proceeding in his North Carolina murder case, which delayed that prosecution for months and drew criticism from some lawmakers.

Rep. Mark Harris, R-N.C., responded to the state ruling, writing, "This is DESPICABLE. Iryna deserves JUSTICE. She was MURDERED. So why is the system FAILING her?"

Harris also criticized pro-crime policies in Democrat-run cities.

Brown is accused of a sudden attack on Aug. 22, 2025, when he boarded the Lynx Blue Line, sat behind Zarutska and stabbed her multiple times in the neck without warning, prosecutors said.

Passengers fled as the attack occurred. Zarutska died at the scene, and police arrested Brown soon after.

Court filings detail Brown's long history of severe mental illness, including persistent delusions of a "material" inside his body controlling his movements, which he called a "Body Emergency." His attorneys said the delusions persist despite repeated efforts to get help.

The case has attracted national attention and increased examination of how the justice system treats defendants with serious mental illness, especially those with prior arrests and warning signs.

Zarutska's death contributed to passage of Iryna's Law in North Carolina, which tightens bail rules and boosts oversight of risky defendants.

A federal judge will decide at a competency hearing.

Fox News Digital's Julia Bonavita contributed to this report.