The recent stabbing incident involving 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska on a Charlotte light-rail train has reignited discussions around the state's prison-release policies. President Donald Trump's administration, along with Republican officials, are scrutinizing the early release program established during the tenure of North Carolina's Democratic Governor Roy Cooper.
According to prosecutors, DeCarlos Brown Jr., the parolee charged with Zarutska's murder, had a substantial criminal background and was under state supervision at the time of the attack. Documents reviewed by Fox News Digital suggest that Brown was listed among the inmates eligible for early release under a COVID-era settlement from 2021, known as NAACP v. Cooper, which mandated a February 15, 2021, cutoff for early release eligibility.
The North Carolina Department of Adult Correction (DAC) clarified that Brown had completed his mandatory minimum sentence by September 20, 2020, preceding the finalization of the settlement. Following a brief arrest, his 12-month post-release supervision was reinstated on the same day the settlement allowed for retroactive consideration of eligible offenders. Despite his name appearing on the early release list, state authorities have not confirmed any alteration to Brown's release schedule due to the settlement.
The incident has spurred a political backlash as Cooper, currently a Senate candidate, faces accusations from his opponents. Cooper's campaign has refuted claims that the early release settlement influenced Brown's release, emphasizing that Brown served his full sentence. The campaign also highlighted Cooper's tough-on-crime stance during his tenure as attorney general and governor.
Nevertheless, Republican leaders remain critical of the transparency surrounding the early release program. North Carolina Senate Leader Phil Berger has demanded a full disclosure of individuals impacted by the settlement, arguing that voters have a right to know if violent offenders were released early. Senate candidate Michael Whatley blames Cooper's policies for the tragedy, claiming that Zarutska's death is a direct consequence of these decisions.
Representative Mark Harris has pointed to the Zarutska case as an example of the broader issues within criminal justice policies under Democratic leadership. Harris criticized reforms such as cashless bail, which he believes prioritize offenders over victims. The 2021 settlement, aimed at mitigating COVID-19 risks in state prisons, was intended to focus on nonviolent offenders, yet included some inmates with extensive criminal histories.
The debate over criminal justice reforms, public safety, and political accountability continues to intensify, especially as Cooper seeks a federal office. Republican leaders are advocating for complete transparency regarding the criteria for early release, emphasizing the importance of public safety.
