In response to the fatal stabbing of 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska on Charlotte’s light rail, North Carolina lawmakers passed a sweeping criminal justice bill on Tuesday aimed at tightening pretrial rules and reviving executions in the state.House Bill 307, known as Iryna’s Law, was approved by the House 81-31 after passing the Senate on Monday. The measure now heads to Democratic Governor Josh Stein, who has said he supports some pretrial reforms but has not indicated whether he will sign or veto the legislation, according to news agency AP.
The bill focuses on limiting cashless bail for many crimes, restricting judicial discretion in pretrial release, and mandating more mental health evaluations for defendants charged with violent offences. It also adds an “aggravated sentencing factor” for crimes committed while victims are using public transport, as per ABC News.The attack on Zarutska on 22 August sparked national outrage after security footage of the incident was released. Zarutska had just finished work and boarded the Blue Lynx Line in Charlotte, sitting in an aisle seat in front of the suspect, 34-year-old Decarlos Brown. The suspect stood and stabbed her three times, killing her instantly, and was apprehended shortly after.Brown has a history of criminal activity, including 14 prior charges ranging from larceny to robbery with a dangerous weapon. He had been released from jail earlier this year on a misdemeanour count without bond. Brown’s mother told media outlets he has schizophrenia and had refused to take prescribed medication, as reported by ABC News. He is now facing first-degree murder charges in state court and federal charges for committing an act causing death on a mass transit system, both punishable by the death penalty.The bill includes a provision that could restart executions in North Carolina, which have been on hold for nearly 20 years. Senate leader Phil Berger added language directing the state to select an alternative method of execution if lethal injection is unavailable, potentially including a firing squad or electrocution.Berger was quoted by ABC News as saying, “For nearly two decades, judicial and administrative roadblocks have stopped true justice for victims, and it’s time for that to end”.Democrats criticised the measure, arguing it exploits grief and fails to address mental health support and crime prevention. Mecklenburg County Democratic Sen. Mujtaba Mohammed said, “Their name deserves dignity, not weaponisation. It’s not about politics, it’s about respect”. Other Democrats also warned the death penalty amendment could lead to “barbaric” and risky punishments.Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles said the city will increase security on commuter trains following the attack. Meanwhile, Brown’s next court hearing is scheduled for 16 October.The law’s passage comes as the state continues to grapple with a budget shortfall in Medicaid funding, with no resolution expected before lawmakers return to Raleigh on 20 October.
