A federal judge has found that the suspect who allegedly murdered Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska last year on a light rail train in Charlotte, North Carolina, is incompetent to stand trial for the time being.U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson confirmed the news on Tuesday, telling reporters that Decarlos Brown Jr. will be hospitalized for treatment and medication for up to four months under a court order. Brown will then face another hearing that will determine whether he’s competent to proceed in the case.During the latest hearing, U.S. District Judge Kenneth Bell determined the defendant lacked the mental capacity to understand the legal proceedings. However, federal prosecutors are hopeful that his capacity can be restored.
“The doctor that examined him for the competency hearing today found that his prognosis for restoration is very good, so I rely on the doctors there,” Ferguson said. “I think the prognosis is good and we’ll see him stand trial.”
The prosecutors also said the court could force Brown to take medication if he refuses.
In a statement released through an attorney, Zarutska’s family voiced optimism that Brown will be punished for his crimes.
“This was not unexpected,” the victim’s family said. “We have confidence that his capacity will be restored so he can stand trial for what he did to Iryna.”
