North Carolina’s “Iryna’s Law” Could Allow Firing Squad for Convicted Killer

The tragic murder of Iryna Zarutska not only stunned North Carolina but sent shockwaves across the country — exposing failures in the justice system and reigniting fierce debates about public safety, mental health, and accountability.

Iryna’s story was one of hope and resilience. At just 23 years old, she had fled the war in Ukraine, leaving behind devastation in search of peace and opportunity in America. An artist by training with a degree in art restoration from Kyiv, she dreamed of a career helping animals as a veterinary assistant — a life built on compassion and purpose. But her dreams were brutally shattered in August 2025, when she was attacked on a Charlotte light rail train in a moment of senseless violence that left a community in mourning.

The attacker, 34-year-old Decarlos Brown Jr., had a long record of arrests — fourteen in total, many involving violent behavior and mental health crises. Despite these red flags, he was released on cashless bail just months before Iryna’s murder. On that summer night, surveillance cameras captured Brown approaching Iryna from behind and stabbing her multiple times without provocation. Passengers screamed for help, and frantic 911 calls documented the horror unfolding in real time.

Following the attack, authorities moved quickly. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, along with federal investigators, launched a joint case that now has Brown facing both state and federal charges, including those that could carry the death penalty.

When Brown’s criminal past and release conditions came to light, public outrage was immediate and intense. Many questioned how someone with such a dangerous history could have been allowed to walk free. Even Brown’s own brother admitted, “They could’ve prevented it. He should face the consequences.”

“Iryna’s Law” — A Turning Point

In response, state lawmakers introduced House Bill 307, soon known as “Iryna’s Law.” The bill, signed by Governor Josh Stein, is designed to reform key parts of the state’s justice system and prevent similar tragedies.

Among its key provisions, the law:

• Requires stricter bail reviews for violent offenders.

• Restricts cashless bail for serious crimes.

• Mandates mental health evaluations for defendants with recent psychiatric commitments.

The goal is to ensure that potentially violent individuals are not released into the public without thorough risk assessment.

However, the most controversial element of “Iryna’s Law” is the reintroduction of the firing squad as a secondary execution method — a response to ongoing issues with lethal injection drug shortages and legal disputes surrounding capital punishment.

Governor Stein emphasized his opposition to the method, stating clearly:

“There will be no firing squads in North Carolina during my time as governor.”

Still, its inclusion marks a significant policy shift, one that has sparked heated discussion both in the statehouse and nationwide.

Calls for Justice and Political Fallout

The law also limits the timeline for death penalty appeals to two years, aiming to speed up justice for victims’ families. Supporters believe this ensures accountability; critics warn it risks undermining due process.

The case quickly became a flashpoint in national politics. Former President Donald Trump publicly condemned state leaders for what he called “soft-on-crime policies,” arguing that Iryna’s death was the result of systemic leniency. His comments deepened partisan tensions, turning a personal tragedy into a broader debate over law enforcement, mental health reform, and capital punishment.

A Legacy of Grief and Change

For Iryna’s loved ones, the passage of “Iryna’s Law” brings a complicated mix of sorrow and solace. Her parents and friends grieve the loss of a young woman full of life and talent, yet take comfort in knowing her name now stands for change — a push toward stronger safeguards and accountability.

Her story has become a symbol of both the cost of failure and the power of reform.

The tragedy serves as a sobering reminder of the cracks in America’s justice and mental health systems — and of the innocent lives that fall through them.

As North Carolina begins to implement these changes, Iryna’s name will continue to echo as both a warning and a hope: a warning of what happens when the system falters, and a hope that her death might prevent another.

She came to America seeking safety.
In her memory, the state vows to make it real.