The Enigmatic Notebook: A Triangle Symbol and Unanswered Questions in Iryna Zarutska’s Murder
In the quiet aftermath of a senseless tragedy, new details emerge that deepen the mystery surrounding the death of Iryna Zarutska, the 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee whose brutal stabbing on a Charlotte light rail train has captivated and horrified the nation. Exclusive information reveals that Zarutska left behind a personal notebook on her desk at Zepeddie’s Pizzeria, where she worked. The final page, dated August 22, 2025—the very day of her murder—bears a single, handwritten triangle symbol. Colleagues, who knew her well, insist they had never seen her use this symbol before in her artistic sketches or notes. This cryptic entry, now under scrutiny by investigators, adds an unsettling layer to a case already rife with unanswered questions, evoking whispers of hidden meanings, personal secrets, or even foreboding premonitions. As the investigation into her killer, Decarlos Brown Jr., continues, this notebook could hold the key to understanding Zarutska’s final thoughts—or it might simply be another tragic footnote in a life cut short.
From War-Torn Ukraine to a New Beginning in America
Iryna Zarutska’s journey was one of resilience and hope. Born on May 22, 2002, in Kyiv, Ukraine, she was the beloved daughter of Anna Zarutska and Stanislav Zarutskyi. In August 2022, amid the chaos of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Zarutska fled her homeland with her mother, sister, and brother, seeking safety in the United States. They settled in Charlotte, North Carolina, where she quickly adapted to her new life, embracing the American dream with enthusiasm. A graduate of Synergy College in Kyiv with a degree in Art and Restoration, Zarutska continued her education at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College from 2023 to 2025, honing her skills while working full-time at Zepeddie’s Pizzeria to support her family. Colleagues described her as a vibrant, hardworking young woman with a radiant smile, a deep love for animals—she often walked neighbors’ pets—and a passion for creating art that she generously shared with friends and family. She dreamed of becoming a veterinary assistant, a career that aligned with her compassionate nature. By all accounts, Zarutska had found peace and purpose in Charlotte, texting her boyfriend on the evening of August 22 to say she’d be home soon after her shift.
Yet, that promise was shattered in an instant. Around 9:46 p.m., Zarutska boarded the Lynx Blue Line light rail at the East/West Boulevard station, still in her pizzeria uniform, clutching a crumpled paper ticket with a penciled note: “Return to your seat.” Surveillance footage from the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS), released on September 5, captures her sitting down, scrolling through her phone, oblivious to the danger behind her. Four minutes later, 34-year-old Decarlos Brown Jr., a homeless man with a long history of mental health issues and criminal arrests dating back to 2011—including felony larceny, armed robbery, and communicating threats—lunged at her with a folding pocket knife. He stabbed her three times, at least once in the neck, in what authorities described as an unprovoked attack. Zarutska clutched her neck as blood spilled onto the floor, collapsing in her seat. She was pronounced dead on the train. Brown exited at the next stop, leaving the bloodied knife behind, and was arrested after treatment for a hand injury. He faces state charges of first-degree murder and federal charges announced by U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, which could carry the death penalty.
The Discovery of the Notebook
The notebook’s existence came to light through colleagues at Zepeddie’s Pizzeria, who found it on Zarutska’s workstation after her shift on August 22. Described as a small, leather-bound journal filled with sketches, daily to-do lists, and artistic ideas, it was a testament to her creative spirit. But it was the final page that stunned those who knew her. Dated “August 22, 2025,” it featured only a simple triangle symbol—three straight lines forming a basic geometric shape, drawn in pencil with deliberate strokes. No accompanying words, no explanations. “We’ve never seen her draw anything like that,” one coworker told investigators, as reported exclusively to this outlet. “Iryna’s art was always flowers, animals, portraits—vibrant and full of life. This triangle… it was out of place, like it didn’t belong to her at all.”
Police have seized the notebook as evidence, though details remain sparse. Handwriting analysis is underway to confirm it was Zarutska’s, but the symbol’s origin has sparked intense speculation. In the context of her artistic background, could it represent something personal—a geometric experiment, a reminder of her studies in restoration, or even a cultural symbol from Ukraine? Triangles hold varied meanings across cultures: in geometry, stability; in occult lore, the delta symbol for change or the occult; in Freemasonry or conspiracy theories, the all-seeing eye. Some online theorists on platforms like X have drawn parallels to ancient symbols or even warnings, especially given the date’s alignment with her death. Others dismiss it as coincidence, perhaps a doodle born of fatigue after a long shift. Colleagues emphasize that Zarutska showed no signs of distress that day; she was her usual cheerful self, chatting about her weekend plans.
This discovery echoes the earlier unsettling detail of the “Return to your seat” note on her train ticket, which passengers said she clutched tightly. Together, these artifacts paint a picture of a woman whose final hours were marked by enigmatic messages. Did the triangle signify an impending sense of danger, a subconscious warning? Or was it unrelated, a random sketch in a life that ended too abruptly? Investigators have not linked it to Brown, who had no known connection to Zarutska, and the attack remains unclassified as a hate crime despite controversial audio where he allegedly muttered, “I got that white girl.”
Public Outrage and Bystander Inaction
The surveillance video has fueled widespread fury, not just for the brutality but for the chilling inaction of fellow passengers. Footage shows several minutes passing before anyone approached Zarutska, with most averting their eyes or remaining frozen. No security was in the car, though officers were one car ahead. Conservative voices, including former President Donald Trump and influencer Braeden Sorbo, have decried it as a “radicalizing moment,” blaming “soft-on-crime” policies for Brown’s repeated releases on no-cash bail, including in January 2025. Elon Musk amplified posts on X highlighting media disparities, comparing coverage to high-profile cases like George Floyd’s. Mainstream outlets like CNN faced backlash for downplaying racial angles and omitting the audio quote, while Piers Morgan called it a “wake-up call for humanity.”
Zarutska’s family, speaking through a spokesperson, expressed devastation: “Iryna came here to find peace and safety, and instead found tragedy.” A GoFundMe has raised over $12,000 for her relatives in Ukraine. Tributes pour in, with friends sharing videos of her joyful life—playing cards, swimming, dancing—contrasting the horror of her final moments. A candlelight vigil is planned for September 22 at the East/West Boulevard station.
Broader Implications and Calls for Change
This case has become a flashpoint in debates over urban safety, mental health, and immigration. Ukrainian communities express horror, with some like Lyubov in North Carolina unsurprised by the violence in a city grappling with crime. Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles announced enhanced CATS security, including bike units and urban vehicles. The U.S. Transportation Secretary is investigating the system’s failures. As Brown awaits trial, the notebook’s triangle symbol lingers as a puzzle. Was it a cry for help, a artistic whim, or something more? In a story already marked by silence—from bystanders to media—the symbol demands answers, urging society to confront the vulnerabilities that claimed Zarutska’s life.
Zarutska’s death reminds us of the fragility of refuge. Fleeing war, she sought stability, only to encounter chaos. The triangle, pointing upward, might symbolize aspiration—or warning. Whatever its meaning, it ensures her story endures, pushing for reforms so others don’t meet a similar fate. As one tribute notes, “Iryna will live forever in our hearts.”