Brown was quickly arrested after Zarutska was stabbed, with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department confirming he has been charged with first-degree murder. Zarutska, who was just 23 years old, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Brown is reported as having a history of criminal activity and mental health issues, and he made his first court appearance on August 29, at which time he was denied bond and ordered to undergo a competency evaluation. CATS then released the footage of the incident on September 5, bringing more widespread attention to the case.
News of the stabbing prompted one reporter to question Trump about it when he spoke to press at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, where he arrived on September 7 on Air Force One.
In response to the news of the case, Trump described it as ‘horrible’.
However, with more than two weeks having passed since the heinous attack, the president then made another surprising admission when reacting to the news.
He said: “I haven’t heard … when did this happen?”
Trump then indicated that he would receive a briefing on the crime, saying: “I’ll know all about it by tomorrow morning.”
An obituary for Zarutska describes her as a ‘gifted and passionate artist’ who ‘shared her creativity generously, gifting family and friends with her artwork’.
“She dreamed of pursuing a career as a Veterinary Assistant while also working toward her independence by learning to drive,” it continues.
“Though she enjoyed adventures, sightseeing, and exploring new places with her close friends, Iryna was also a homebody at heart, happiest when surrounded by family and loved ones.”
Brown is scheduled to have his next court appearance on September 19.