Ukrainian Refugee, 23, Stabbed to Death on Charlotte Light Rail in North Carolina
Charlotte, NC – A 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee who fled the war for safety in the United States was tragically stabbed to death while riding the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) light rail late Saturday evening.
Police say the victim, who had only been in the U.S. for under two years, was attacked during an altercation with another passenger around 9:45 p.m. near the Scaleybark Station. Witnesses reported chaos in the train car as bystanders rushed to pull the emergency stop and call 911.
Emergency responders arrived quickly, but the young woman succumbed to her injuries at the scene. Authorities have not released her name, pending notification of family overseas.
A 27-year-old male suspect was taken into custody shortly after fleeing the train. Detectives say the two did not appear to know each other, and a motive has not yet been confirmed.
Community members and refugee organizations expressed shock and grief. “She came here seeking peace and safety,” said one advocate. “To lose her life in such a senseless act of violence is heartbreaking.”
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department is continuing to investigate.
