‘Iryna’s Law’ bill drafted which could see Ukrainian refugee’s killer face firing squad
Brown has several prior arrests and was out on cashless bail at the time of the fatal stabbing. via REUTERS
North Carolina Governor Josh Stein has signed into law sweeping criminal justice reforms named after Iryna Zarutska, the Ukrainian refugee fatally stabbed on a Charlotte light rail. The legislation, known as House Bill 307 or “Iryna’s Law,” could increase the likelihood that her alleged killer faces the death penalty, including execution by firing squad.
The bill passed both chambers of the state Legislature with strong Republican support and was approved by Governor Stein on Friday. Among its most notable provisions is an amendment that would allow the state to resume capital punishment by methods other than lethal injection—the only authorized method currently. This change could circumvent legal challenges that have effectively paused executions in North Carolina since 2006, WTVD reported.
In addition to expanding execution methods, the law requires death penalty appeals to be resolved within two years of filing. North Carolina currently has 122 inmates on death row, according to WCNC. The legislation also tightens pretrial rules for certain violent offenders, limiting judges’ discretion over pretrial release, imposing mandatory mental health evaluations for some defendants, and denying cashless bail to certain offenders.
The Death Penalty Information Center notes that mandatory mental health assessments could apply to defendants charged with violent crimes who have been involuntarily committed in the past three years.
DeCarlos Brown Jr., the suspect in Zarutska’s killing, had a history of prior arrests and was recently released on cashless bail. Police reports indicate he had previous mental health hospitalizations. Brown now faces both federal and state charges and could face the death penalty if convicted.
Governor Stein said in a video statement, “House Bill 307, or ‘Iryna’s Law,’ alerts the judiciary to take a special look at people who may pose unusual risks of violence before determining their bail. That’s a good thing and why I have signed it into law.”
While Stein had expressed concern about the inclusion of firing squads, Republicans defended the provision. “The capital punishment by firing squad is not a new concept… People need to know they’re going to feel it. While it’s an old practice, it’s been deemed reliable as a deterrent,” said John Hinnant, Republican Chairman of New Hanover County, speaking to WECT.
Despite the amendment, Stein emphasized that “there will be no firing squads in North Carolina during my time as governor.” His term extends through January 2029.
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