GOP Demands Judge Who Released Suspect in Ukrainian Refugee Murder be Fired [WATCH]

All 10 Republican members of North Carolina’s congressional delegation are demanding the removal of a state magistrate judge who released a man now accused of murdering a Ukrainian refugee on a Charlotte train, as reported by Fox News.

In a letter led by Rep. Tim Moore, R-N.C., lawmakers urged state officials to begin formal proceedings to remove Magistrate Judge Teresa Stokes.

Decarlos Brown Jr. was released on CASHLESS BAIL a few months ago with a promise to appear at his next court date

They literally just let him go free despite 14 arrests and a schizophrenia diagnosis

They let him m*rder Iryna Zarutska

Should Decarlos receive the death penalty? pic.twitter.com/ddxWqbN8Cj

— Sumit (@SumitHansd) September 9, 2025

They cited her decision earlier this year to release 36-year-old Decarlos Brown on a “written promise” to appear in court despite his lengthy criminal history.

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Brown is accused of fatally stabbing 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska on August 22 while she was riding a Charlotte light rail train. Zarutska had fled Ukraine in 2022 following Russia’s invasion and had settled in North Carolina.

Reports indicate the attack was unprovoked, with Zarutska seated in front of Brown as she returned home from work.

Decarlos Brown Jr. was released on CASHLESS BAIL a few months ago with a promise to appear at his next court date

They literally just let him go free despite 14 arrests and a schizophrenia diagnosis

They let him m*rder Iryna pic.twitter.com/NFcGKMQdI2

— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) September 9, 2025

“Ms. Zarutska’s murder was not only a profound personal tragedy but also a direct result of a failure of judicial responsibility,” the GOP lawmakers wrote.

“By releasing a repeat violent offender on nothing more than his written promise to appear, Magistrate Stokes displayed a willful failure to perform the duties of her office and engaged in conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice.”

Meet Teresa Stokes.

She is the judge who let career criminal DeCarlos Brown Jr. walk free and went on to slaughter Iryna Zarutska.

Judges like Stokes have inverted justice, treating dangerous criminals as victims while the innocent suffer.

Rogue judges who recklessly endanger… pic.twitter.com/oUfJc5lFXz

— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) September 8, 2025

Brown’s record included at least 14 prior arrests, according to the letter, including charges for possession of a firearm by a felon, robbery with a dangerous weapon, and assaulting his sister.

Earlier this year, he was arrested following a series of erratic 911 calls in which he claimed “man-made materials” had been implanted in his body. He was charged with a misdemeanor but again released without bond.

Republicans argued that Stokes’ decision to release Brown undermined confidence in the judicial system and endangered the public. They also requested a review of Stokes’ past bond rulings to determine whether similar decisions may have placed the community at risk.

“Her decision has undermined public confidence in the judicial system and exposed the community to wholly preventable harm,” the lawmakers stated.

“North Carolinians deserve to know that those entrusted with judicial authority exercise it with diligence, responsibility, and regard for the safety of the community.”

The case has become part of a larger debate about judicial discretion and public safety, especially in urban areas.

It comes amid ongoing discussion of President Donald Trump’s decision to deploy the National Guard to major cities as part of a broader push to address violent crime.

Fox News Digital reached out to the North Carolina Judicial Branch for comment but had not received a response at the time of publication.

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