Washington, D.C. — Congressman Randy Fine (R-FL) says he is preparing legislation that would punish judges who free violent repeat offenders who then go on to commit more crimes. His announcement comes in the wake of the shocking killing of Iryna Zarutska, a 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee, in Charlotte, North Carolina. Read More
Zarutska was stabbed to death on September 8, 2025, while riding the Lynx Blue Line light rail. The man charged in her murder, 34-year-old DeCarlos Brown Jr., had a lengthy criminal history with at least 14 arrests. Despite that record, he was released without bond in January 2025 by Magistrate Judge Teresa Stokes.
At the time of his release, Brown had displayed disturbing behavior — including abusing the 911 system and making erratic claims about a “man-made substance” controlling him. Critics argue these were red flags that should have kept him behind bars.
The case has sparked outrage in Charlotte and beyond, with many asking how someone with such a record was allowed back on the streets. Adding to the controversy, reports have surfaced that Judge Stokes also holds a position at a local treatment facility, raising questions about whether a conflict of interest influenced her decision to release Brown.
In response, Rep. Fine vowed to “target any judge who releases violent criminals who go on to commit more crime.” He argued that the justice system is failing the public when judges disregard clear threats and allow dangerous offenders out of custody. Fine has pointed to Brown’s case as an example of what happens when repeat offenders are repeatedly granted leniency.
“This tragedy should never have happened,” Fine wrote on social media. “Judges who knowingly unleash violent criminals onto our streets must face consequences when innocent people pay the price.”
While details of Fine’s proposed legislation have not yet been released, he has suggested it could cover judges nationwide and establish mechanisms to hold them accountable — a significant shift in how the judiciary could be scrutinized.
Zarutska’s death has also drawn attention internationally, since she had fled the war in Ukraine in search of safety, only to be killed in the United States. Her murder is being seen as both a local and national failure of the system designed to protect law-abiding residents.
The Charlotte community continues to mourn, while lawmakers debate how to balance judicial independence with public safety. Fine’s bill is expected to be introduced in Congress soon.
