Who is Decarlos Brown and what are the charges against him?

Decarlos Brown is a man with an extensive criminal history including a 2014 armed robbery conviction. He is currently charged with the murder of 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska, who was stabbed to death on a Charlotte light rail train in August 2025. He faces both state and federal charges for this crime.

Why are North Carolina Republicans demanding the removal of Magistrate Judge Teresa Stokes?

Republicans are demanding Magistrate Judge Teresa Stokes' removal because she released Decarlos Brown, the accused murderer, in January 2025 despite his extensive criminal record. They argue that her decision reflects failed judicial accountability and soft-on-crime policies that endanger public safety.

What evidence links Decarlos Brown to the murder on the Charlotte light rail?

Surveillance footage showed Decarlos Brown pulling out a knife and stabbing Iryna Zarutska three times from behind on the Charlotte light rail. There was no prior interaction between the victim and Brown, who then walked away after the attack.

What is the response of law enforcement and officials regarding this case?

Law enforcement and officials, including Attorney General Pamela Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel, have condemned the murder and pledged to prosecute Brown federally. They emphasized the need for justice and safe communities, criticizing prior lenient criminal policies.

What are the potential penalties Decarlos Brown faces if convicted?

If convicted, Decarlos Brown faces a maximum penalty of life in prison without parole or the death penalty for the federal murder charge, in addition to potential life sentences under state charges.

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North Carolina Republicans Demand Judge's Removal Over Accused Murderer's Release

North Carolina House Republicans demand Magistrate Judge Teresa Stokes' removal for releasing accused murderer Decarlos Brown, now implicated in a Charlotte light rail killing.

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Overview

A summary of the key points of this story verified across multiple sources.

North Carolina House Republicans are demanding Magistrate Judge Teresa Stokes' removal for releasing accused murderer Decarlos Brown in January 2025, sparking controversy.
Decarlos Brown has an extensive criminal history, including a 2014 armed robbery conviction that led to a five-year prison sentence.
Brown was released in 2020 and is now accused of murdering a young woman on a Charlotte light rail train, prompting the judge's removal calls.
NC GOP members are specifically urging Chief Judge Roy H. Wiggins in District 26 to remove Magistrate Stokes due to her actions in the murder case.
The demand underscores Republican concerns about judicial accountability and public safety, following the release of a felon now accused of a serious crime.

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: Decarlos Brown is a man with an extensive criminal history including a 2014 armed robbery conviction. He is currently charged with the murder of 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska, who was stabbed to death on a Charlotte light rail train in August 2025. He faces both state and federal charges for this crime.
ABC7 News
: Republicans are demanding Magistrate Judge Teresa Stokes' removal because she released Decarlos Brown, the accused murderer, in January 2025 despite his extensive criminal record. They argue that her decision reflects failed judicial accountability and soft-on-crime policies that endanger public safety.
ABC7 News
: Surveillance footage showed Decarlos Brown pulling out a knife and stabbing Iryna Zarutska three times from behind on the Charlotte light rail. There was no prior interaction between the victim and Brown, who then walked away after the attack.
ABC News
: Law enforcement and officials, including Attorney General Pamela Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel, have condemned the murder and pledged to prosecute Brown federally. They emphasized the need for justice and safe communities, criticizing prior lenient criminal policies.
WFAE
: If convicted, Decarlos Brown faces a maximum penalty of life in prison without parole or the death penalty for the federal murder charge, in addition to potential life sentences under state charges.
WFAE

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