North Carolina Increases Scrutiny of Bail After Tragedy
RALEIGH, N.C. – In response to a heartbreaking crime, North Carolina has taken action to strengthen its bail system. Governor Josh Stein recently signed “Iryna’s Law,” a bill designed to keep communities safer by increasing checks on individuals awaiting trial.
The new law comes after the tragic death of Iryna Zarutska, a young Ukrainian refugee who was killed in August. The suspect, Decarlos Dejuan Brown Jr., had a lengthy criminal record and was released on a misdemeanor charge earlier this year.
Iryna’s Law aims to prevent similar tragedies by making it harder for repeat offenders and those accused of violent crimes to be released on bail. It restricts cashless bail options for these individuals, ensuring that judges and magistrates carefully consider the potential risk to public safety before making release decisions. The law also calls for increased mental health evaluations for defendants.
Republican lawmakers championed the bill, emphasizing the need to prioritize public safety and hold criminals accountable. State Representative Tricia Cotham stated the law would help prevent other families from experiencing similar grief.
While Governor Stein, a Democrat, signed the bill into law, he expressed reservations about certain aspects. He voiced concerns that the law focuses too heavily on a defendant’s ability to pay bail, rather than the potential danger they pose to the community. He also criticized a provision related to the method of execution in the state, but made it clear that such methods would not be allowed while he is governor.
Supporters of Iryna’s Law see it as a crucial step towards a safer North Carolina, ensuring that those who pose a threat to the community are not easily released back onto the streets.
