“Iryna’s Law” took effect in North Carolina on Monday, recognizing the murder of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska.
“For too long, activist judges and magistrates have turned dangerous criminals loose, endangering lives and spreading chaos in our communities,” North Carolina Speaker of the House Destin Hall (R) said in September, as per The Carolina Journal. “That ends now. Iryna Zarutska’s murder is a tragic reminder of what’s at stake. That’s why we are delivering some of the strongest tough-on-crime reforms in North Carolina history.”
House Majority Leader Rep. Brenden Jones (R) similarly said that the law sends a clear message that the state “will not tolerate allowing violent criminals to walk free on our streets.” Jones added, “Iryna’s Law strengthens protections for our citizens and restores accountability in our courts, because the safety of our families and communities comes first.”
According to the law, committing an offense “while the victim was using a public transportation system” will be considered an aggravating factor in death penalty cases.
Zarutka’s killer, DeCarlos Brown Jr., may face the death penalty.
Speaking to Jesse Watters of Fox News in October, Attorney General Pam Bondi said, “I plan on signing a warrant to seek the death penalty in that case. He had been arrested 14 times, Jesse, as you know, and should have been in jail when he murdered that beautiful, innocent young woman.”
Following Zarutka’s death, President Trump said, “We cannot allow a depraved criminal element of violent repeat offenders to continue spreading destruction and death throughout our country. We have to respond with force and strength. We have to be vicious, just like they are. It’s the only thing they understand.”
