The killer of a Ukrainian refugee in the United States has been found unfit to stand trial

In the United States, the killer of Ukrainian woman Iryna Zarutska, DeCarlos Brown Jr., has been found mentally unfit to stand trial.

This was reported by The Daily Wire, which described the decision as a “lifeline” for the man.

According to court documents, Brown underwent an evaluation at Central Regional Hospital. A report dated December 29, 2025 states that he was found “incapable of proceeding.”

Under North Carolina law, incompetence to stand trial means a court finds that the defendant is unable to understand the nature of the proceedings and assist in his own defense. According to data from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, a defendant found incompetent cannot be tried or punished by the state.

Thus, if the judge agrees that Brown is unfit to stand trial, state law requires the charges to be dismissed. However, if the judge dismisses the case without prejudice, murder charges could be brought again if Brown is ever restored to competency for trial.

At the same time, Brown will remain in custody for now, his lawyer Daniel Roberts said. According to media reports, the man has schizophrenia.

Earlier, media outlets reported on a public statement by Donald Trump in which he expressed condolences to the family of the Ukrainian refugee. The U.S. president called Brown Jr. a “madman” and a “psycho,” saying that the killing, which was captured on video, was “impossible to watch” because of its brutality.