The Charlotte bus ride began like any other, but quickly descended into a brutal attack. James Calvin Bennett, 57, now faces attempted murder charges after allegedly stabbing a man in the chest with a large kitchen knife, leaving the victim clinging to life.
Jose "Frenchie" Mulongo suffered multiple stab wounds, one dangerously close to his heart, according to police. The bus driver, recognizing Bennett as a frequent presence on her route and a known visitor to local shelters, reported he’d been stalking Mulongo before the violent outburst.
Surveillance footage appears to corroborate the driver’s account. Witnesses described a heated argument preceding the attack, with Mulongo attempting to escape Bennett’s escalating aggression. Another passenger observed Bennett openly carrying an alcohol container and the weapon used in the assault.
Bystanders bravely intervened, separating the attacker from his victim. Bennett then fled the scene, only to be apprehended hours later still wearing clothes stained with blood. The arrest wasn’t his first encounter with the law this year.
Court records reveal Bennett cycled in and out of jail twice before the November stabbing. He was released on bond in October following charges of robbery, domestic violence, and making threats. Prior to that, a $5,000 bond secured his release in May after a larceny charge.
A detective’s affidavit details a lengthy criminal history, including previous charges of assault with a deadly weapon and inflicting serious injury. While initially invoking his Fifth Amendment rights, Bennett later made a cryptic statement to investigators about needing a knife to remain incarcerated.
The arrest report also connected Bennett to a disturbing incident just days before the stabbing. A woman reported a man matching his description engaging in indecent exposure while staring at her on another bus. He was subsequently charged.
A review of court records uncovered a total of fifteen cases against Bennett dating back to 2022, spanning multiple counties. He is currently held without bail as the investigation continues.
This incident has ignited renewed scrutiny of Charlotte’s bail system for repeat offenders. The attack echoes a similar tragedy from August, where Iryna Zarutska, a 23-year-old woman, was fatally stabbed on a commuter train.
Decarlos Brown Jr., 34, with a history of over a dozen prior charges, is accused of Zarutska’s unprovoked murder, captured on chilling video. The public is demanding answers and a reevaluation of policies regarding the release of individuals with extensive criminal records.
