Florida Congressman Randy Fine (R) plans to introduce legislation to hold judges accountable following the horrific stabbing death of 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska, a Ukrainian refugee, on a Charlotte light rail train last month.
According to Fox News, Zarutska was riding the Lynx Blue line on Aug. 22 when she was stabbed to death multiple times by a man identified as 34-year-old Decarlos Brown Jr. Authorities said Zarutska, unaware of the attack, suffered three stab wounds in an arrest warrant obtained by Fox News Digital.
Brown was later found by authorities on the outbound platform of the rail train wearing a red-hooded sweatshirt that matched the suspect's description. A knife was also discovered near the attack.
Zarustka died at the scene around 10:05 pm.
"It’s easy to release criminals when you’re protected by an armed bailiff at all times. The rest of us aren’t so lucky," Fine said. "Those 12+ judges that released Decarlos Brown Jr. should have their day in court too."
Brown has reportedly been arrested more than a dozen times, including for felony larceny in 2013 and robbery with a dangerous weapon in 2015. His robbery conviction sent him to prison for more than six years, but he was released in 2020
He did notably remain on parole until 2021. Brown was also arrested for "misuse of the 911 system" in January.
Brown and Zarustka did not know each other at the time of the attack, according to law enforcement. He was later arrested and charged with first-degree murder in Zarustka's death.
Florida Congressman Anna Paulina Luna (R) also indicated her support for Fine's proposal on Monday.
"Happy to cosponsor this legislation. These incompetent judges must be held accountable," Luna said.
North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein responded to the killing on Monday, saying, "I am heartbroken for the family of Iryna Zarutska, who lost their loved one to this senseless act of violence, and I am appalled by the footage of her murder. We need more cops on the beat to keep people safe."
