Decarlos Brown charged in Charlotte light rail killing ruled incompetent to stand trial

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The man charged with killing a Ukrainian refugee on the Charlotte light rail last summer has been found incompetent to stand trial, according to court records.

Court documents filed by Decarlos Brown's defense attorney say a mental evaluation determined Brown is "incapable to proceed."

Brown, 34, is charged with murder in both state and federal courts for the killing of Iryna Zarutska.

Surveillance video of the stabbing spread nationally, sparking outrage and renewed scrutiny of North Carolina's criminal justice system. Brown, who is homeless, has a lengthy criminal history that includes serving five years in prison for robbery with a dangerous weapon.

The case helped prompt the passage of Iryna's Law in North Carolina.

Brown's attorney is now asking the court to pause the state case for six months.