Following the fatal stabbing of 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska, all 10 Republican members of NC’s House delegation, led by Congressman Tim Moore, signed a letter demanding removal of Magistrate Judge Teresa Stokes.
Officials said Stokes had released the suspect, Decarlos Brown, a repeat offender, in January with a written promise to appear in court, despite his criminal history, which included at least 14 prior arrests for offenses such as possession of a firearm by a felon, robbery with a dangerous weapon, and physical assault. Brown is accused of fatally stabbing Zarutska on a Charlotte light rail in what authorities are calling a random, unprovoked attack.
“North Carolina’s justice system failed Iryna Zarutska. She came to Charlotte looking for safety and a better life, but instead, she was brutally murdered by a repeat offender who never should’ve been let back on the streets,” said Rep. Moore. “Judge Stokes had the chance to protect the public and chose not to. It’s clear that she’s unfit to hold this consequential position and should be removed from the bench immediately.”
Tuesday’s letter, sent to Chief District Court Judge Roy Wiggins, claims Judge Stokes showed a “willful failure” to perform her duties by releasing Brown on a written promise to appear. It also calls for a review of Stokes’ prior bond rulings.
Magistrate judges in North Carolina are appointed, not elected, and are responsible for early-stage decisions, like setting bond. Unlike higher-level judges, authorities stated that they aren’t required to hold law degrees. Critics said that this case highlights a serious flaw in the system.
“What happened on the light rail in Charlotte is a tragedy that never should have happened,” said Rep. Addison McDowell. “Teresa Stokes has failed the people and must be removed. She’s proven she can’t do the job and has lost the trust of the public.”
