State lawmakers are expected to announce new legislation to prevent future crimes when they reconvene Monday.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. โ North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein announced Thursday he will meet with the family of Iryna Zarutska, the 23-year-old victim of a fatal stabbing on the Charlotte light rail system.
Decarlos Brown, 34, is charged with killing the Ukrainian refugee on Aug. 22 on the LYNX Blue Line in South End. Brown was arrested and charged with murder after the incident and was indicted earlier this week. He also faces a federal charge prosecutors said could result in the death penalty.
When asked about the city’s response to the stabbing, Stein said he was happy that Charlotte was increasing security on public transit.
“I think everybody wishes we’d been more on our toes and local government had been more on its toes,” Stein said. “I’m gratified that the local government has surged law enforcement and safety officials on the transit system.”
The announcement came as the General Assembly prepares to reconvene Monday, with lawmakers expected to immediately introduce and vote on legislation aimed at preventing similar crimes.
The governor outlined several proposed reforms, including providing magistrates with clearer supervision and requiring judges to step in on release decisions when mental health concerns are present.
Republicans outlined their own plan last week. The proposed legislation could potentially include restarting the death penalty and ending cashless bail, according to Senate Leader Phil Berger and House Speaker Destin Hall.ย
When asked about the death penalty proposal, Stein left it to the courts but did not share an opinion.
“The death penalty is a serious penalty that should be reserved for those who commit truly heinous crimes,” Stein said. “It is the law of the land in North Carolina and there are some lawsuits where courts have been holding it up and we have to go through that legal process.”
Stein emphasized that passing a state budget remains crucial to addressing systemic gaps, particularly the need for increased pay for local and state officers. He said public safety spending increases would help the legislative package succeed.
While no timeline exists for budget passage, the crime prevention bill package could come to a vote as early as Monday when the General Assembly reconvenes.
Contact Julie Kay at juliekay@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X andย Instagram.
