Rep. Mark Harris, NC GOP Delegation Demand Removal of Judge After Release of Iryna Zarutska’s Murder SuspectJasmyn Jordan 23 Sep 2025
Rep. Mark Harris (R-NC) and all members of the North Carolina Republican delegation are urging the removal of Magistrate Judge Teresa Stokes, faulting her decision to release Decarlos Brown Jr., who is charged with the fatal stabbing of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska.
Harris on Monday posted a statement on X declaring that “the entire NC Republican delegation called for the removal of Magistrate Judge Teresa Stokes for letting Iryna Zarutska’s murderer out on the streets,” arguing her interpretation of pretrial release statutes “calls into question her fitness for service.” He noted that the District Court said it was “reviewing” and “evaluating” its policies and procedures, but asked if Stokes is still making judgments for other criminals “even though she has lost the public’s confidence.”
Harris attached a September 10 letter from Roy H. Wiggins, who confirmed his office was “reviewing our local bond policy” and “evaluating all aspects” of pretrial procedures following Zarutska’s killing. Wiggins explained magistrates would receive additional education on the impact of release decisions but noted the matter would be handled with “the confidentiality required by law.”
Zarutska, a 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee who fled Russia’s invasion, was stabbed to death on Charlotte’s Lynx Blue Line light rail on August 22. Surveillance footage showed the attacker rise from his seat and stab her three times in the throat. Brown, 34, a repeat offender with more than a dozen prior charges, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder. Zarutska’s family has since stated her burial will be in the United States, stating she “loved America.”
The Trump administration has denounced the killing. President Donald Trump has demanded Brown face the death penalty, saying the “ANIMAL” who murdered Zarutska should receive a quick trial with “only the DEATH PENALTY” as punishment. Attorney General Pam Bondi has directed her office to federally prosecute Brown and seek the “maximum penalty for this unforgivable crime.” FBI Director Kash Patel remarked the attack was a “disgraceful act that should never happen in America.”
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https://www.breitbart.com/law-and-order/2025/09/23/rep-mark-harris-nc-gop-delegation-demand-removal-of-judge-after-release-of-iryna-zarutskas-murder-suspect/
