While the rest of her family attended Iryna Zarutska’s funeral in Charlotte, North Carolina, at the end of August, her father was unable to bury his daughter.

Iryna Zarutska was brutally murdered on August 22 in an unprovoked attack that went viral on Twitter. The culprit, Decarlos Brown Jr., who has schizophrenia, was caught on camera and taken into custody at the subsequent bus stop.

“We are heartbroken beyond words. Iryna came here to find peace and safety, and instead her life was stolen from her in the most horrific way,” a family spokesperson said. “No family should have to go through this.”

Decarlos is now facing the death penalty for the crime, with Donald Trump supporting the extreme punishment on Truth Social: “The ANIMAL who so violently killed the beautiful young lady from Ukraine, who came to America searching for peace and safety, should be given a ‘Quick’ (there is no doubt!) Trial, and only awarded THE DEATH PENALTY. There can be no other option!!!”

Why wasn’t Iryna Zarutska’s dad at her funeral?

Iryna Zarutska, her mother, and two younger siblings escaped Russia’s invasion of Ukraine three years ago. Unfortunately, because of stringent regulations that forbade males of fighting age from leaving Ukraine, her father, Stanislav Zarutskyi, was compelled to remain there. According to reports, he was “devastated” that he was unable to go to the funeral.

“He had to stay back. He didn’t come for the funeral,” said a neighbour of Iryna’s family in Charlotte. “He’s still there for whatever the wartime rules are.”

In an interview with the New York Post, the same neighbour referred to Iryna as “sweet”, adding: “They’re taking it really hard. She was sweet. The whole neighbourhood loved her. Everyone loved her here. She did a lot of pet sitting for neighbours. She was a good, sweet person.”

After the funeral, Iryna’s family published a lovely obituary in which they described her as a “vibrant spirit” who cherished fashion, art, friends, and family.

“She shared her creativity generously, gifting family and friends with her artwork. She loved sculpting and designing unique, eclectic clothing that reflected her vibrant spirit,” the obituary read.

“Iryna will be remembered for her kindness, her creativity, and the lasting impression she left on everyone she met,” it continued. “Her absence leaves a deep void, but her spirit will forever remain in the hearts of those who loved her.”