North Carolina lawmakers have passed House Bill 307, also known as “Iryna’s Law,” in response to the killing of 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska in Charlotte. The new legislation includes provisions that could potentially impact future capital punishment cases in the state, bringing renewed public attention to the use of rare execution methods under certain circumstances.
Background: Fatal Attack on Iryna Zarutska
On August 22, 2025, Iryna Zarutska, a 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee, was killed while riding a light rail train operated by the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) in North Carolina. Zarutska had fled the war in Ukraine and was living in the United States at the time of the incident.
According to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) reports, Zarutska was attacked by a man later identified as DeCarlos Brown Jr., while she was seated on the train. Witnesses and security footage confirmed that the assailant approached her and inflicted fatal injuries. Emergency responders arrived shortly afterward, but Zarutska was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police stated that Brown was apprehended and taken into custody shortly after the attack. According to court and arrest records, he has a prior criminal history, including multiple arrests. He has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with Zarutska’s death.
The case has drawn significant public attention in North Carolina and internationally, particularly within Ukrainian communities, as Zarutska was a war refugee seeking safety in the United States.
Legislative Response: “Iryna’s Law”
In the aftermath of the incident, lawmakers in North Carolina introduced House Bill 307, nicknamed “Iryna’s Law.” The legislation was designed to address concerns about pretrial release and the evaluation of individuals considered to pose a high risk of violence.
The bill received bipartisan support and was passed by both chambers of the North Carolina General Assembly before being signed into law by Governor Josh Stein on October 3, 2025.
Governor Stein stated during the signing that the law will require the judiciary to conduct enhanced reviews of individuals who may present unusual risks of violence before bail determinations are made. This aims to prevent similar incidents by identifying high-risk offenders earlier in the legal process.
Capital Punishment Provisions and Debate
One of the most discussed aspects of the new law involves an amendment related to the death penalty. According to reporting by the New York Post and state legislative records, the amendment opens the door for North Carolina to resume capital punishment, including through methods not currently in use.
Currently, the only authorized method of execution in North Carolina is lethal injection. However, the amendment outlines the potential for the state to reinstate alternative methods, including firing squad, under specific legal conditions.
This change has led to widespread discussion because firing squads have been used only in extremely rare cases in the United States. According to the Death Penalty Information Center, only a few states, such as Utah, have used or authorized firing squads in modern history, typically as a backup method when lethal injection is not available.
Governor Stein, while signing the bill into law, publicly stated that he does not support the use of firing squads and emphasized that such a method would not be implemented during his term as governor.
Nonetheless, the inclusion of the amendment indicates that the legal framework could allow for expanded methods of capital punishment in the future, depending on political and judicial developments.
Suspect Faces Death Penalty if Convicted
If convicted of first-degree murder, DeCarlos Brown Jr. could face the death penalty, which remains legal in North Carolina, though no executions have been carried out in the state since 2006 due to ongoing legal challenges.
According to the North Carolina Department of Public Safety, there are currently dozens of inmates on death row. Any death penalty case undergoes a rigorous judicial process, including appeals and reviews by higher courts.
The potential for Brown to face capital punishment has sparked debate among legal experts, human rights organizations, and the public. Supporters of the death penalty argue that it can serve as a deterrent and form of justice in particularly serious crimes. Opponents point to issues of fairness, cost, and the risk of wrongful convictions.
Broader Impact on Public Safety Policies
“Iryna’s Law” represents a significant shift in how North Carolina addresses public safety and criminal justice concerns, particularly regarding bail reform. The legislation signals an increased focus on identifying individuals who may pose heightened risks before they are released pending trial.
Supporters of the bill argue that the changes could help prevent future violent crimes by ensuring that individuals with extensive criminal histories or high-risk profiles are more thoroughly evaluated. Critics of similar policies in other states have raised concerns about civil liberties and the potential for discrimination, highlighting the importance of careful judicial oversight.
Remembering Iryna Zarutska
Iryna Zarutska’s death has had a profound impact on both the local community in Charlotte and international observers. Her story highlights the vulnerabilities of refugees who flee conflict zones seeking safety.
Community members held vigils in her memory, and advocates have emphasized the importance of strengthening support systems for refugees and ensuring public transportation safety.
Her name now lives on through “Iryna’s Law,” which supporters hope will prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Conclusion
The killing of Iryna Zarutska has led to sweeping legislative changes in North Carolina, sparking national discussions about bail reform, capital punishment, and public safety. House Bill 307, or “Iryna’s Law,” strengthens judicial review for high-risk individuals and includes controversial provisions related to execution methods, though current leadership has ruled out the use of firing squads during the current governor’s term.
As the legal case against DeCarlos Brown Jr. proceeds, it will continue to draw significant public and media attention, both because of its tragic circumstances and its broader implications for criminal justice policy in North Carolina.
