CBC, other legacy media silent on fatal stabbing of Ukrainian refugee in US
The fatal stabbing of a young Ukrainian refugee on a Charlotte, North Carolina, light-rail train has become a widely discussed topic in the United States.
The fatal stabbing of a young Ukrainian refugee on a Charlotte, North Carolina, light-rail train has become a widely discussed topic in the United States, raising concerns about the legacy media’s decision not to report on the killing, including in Canada.
Decarlos Brown Jr., 31, is charged with first-degree murder in the Aug. 22 killing of 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska.
Authorities allege he stabbed her in the throat in an unprovoked attack while she was commuting home from work at Zepeddie’s Pizza.
Chilling surveillance video released Sunday shows Zarutska scrolling on her phone before Brown, in a red hoodie, pulled out a folding knife and attacked her.
The video triggered extensive coverage from U.S. outlets, including Fox News, CNN and NBC.
Former president Donald Trump, speaking at the Museum of the Bible, said: “I give my love and hope to the family of the young woman who was stabbed in Charlotte by a madman, a lunatic, while she’s just sitting there. There are evil people. We have to be able to handle that. If we don’t handle that, we don’t have a country.”
Canadian coverage appeared muted compared with the viral spread south of the border, though Global News did air a segment on the killing on Monday.
However, CBC, CTV, City News and other legacy media platforms remain silent on the matter as of Monday evening. In comparison, CBC provided regular coverage of George Floyd’s killing while in police custody.
Zarutska, who fled Ukraine with her family in 2022, was remembered as a creative artist and valued employee. Her employer said staff kept a candle burning in her memory.
Brown, who has a criminal record including robbery with a dangerous weapon and recent charges for threats and 911 misuse, is being held without bond.
The killing has reignited debate about public transit safety in U.S. cities, while in Canada, questions are being raised about the lack of national press coverage for the viral story.
GoFundMe confirmed it has removed campaigns set up for Brown’s legal defence, citing its long-standing policy against fundraising for individuals charged with violent crimes. A separate, verified fundraiser for Zarutska’s family remains active, which has already raised over $97,000 (USD) as of Monday.