Florida Congressman Randy Fine plans to introduce a bill holding judges liable for crimes committed by violent offenders they release. The proposal follows the horrific August 22 stabbing murder of 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska on Charlotte’s Lynx Blue Line train.
Zarutska fled Ukraine after Russia’s 2022 invasion, seeking safety in the U.S. before her random killing. Suspect Decarlos Brown Jr., 35, faces first-degree murder charges and has a criminal record spanning over a decade.
Brown’s history includes convictions for armed robbery, felony larceny, breaking and entering, assault on a female, and shoplifting. He assaulted his sister months after a prior release and was diagnosed with schizophrenia.
Brown racked up 14 arrests, with multiple judges opting for release despite violent patterns.
Magistrate Teresa Stokes set no-cash bail for Brown in January 2025 after his misuse of 911 arrest. Mecklenburg County DA Spencer Merriweather called the incident a sign of criminal justice system breakdowns, especially in mental health handling.
Charlotte officials now face calls to boost transit security amid eroded public trust in the light rail system.
Fine’s bill targets such releases, arguing judges enjoy armed protection unavailable to everyday people.
“Those 12+ judges that released Decarlos Brown Jr. should have their day in court too,” Fine stated. “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.”
