One month after Charlotte light rail stabbing, community honors Iryna Zarutska and officials push for reform

CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — It’s been one month since 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska was fatally stabbed on Charlotte’s light rail, an incident that sparked global headlines and ongoing concern over public safety.

Charlotte remembers Iryna

On Monday night, the community is coming together to remember her.

A candlelight vigil will be held at the East-West Boulevard Station, the same location where the tragedy occurred. The event, hosted by the North Carolina GOP and the West Boulevard Ministry, will begin at 8 p.m. Parking is available courtesy of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, and attendees are encouraged to arrive as early as 7:30 p.m.

At the same time, local and state officials are preparing to debate new measures to bolster transit and public security.

Iryna’s Law introduced

In Raleigh, lawmakers are introducing a wide-ranging crime bill called ‘Iryna’s Law’, named in honor of Zarutska. The bill is expected to get its first hearing on Monday and could move quickly, as the legislative session is only open for a few days.

The legislation would modify how the death sentence is pursued and reevaluate the use of cashless bail. Its introduction follows public outcry over how the suspect in Zarutska’s murder, Decarlos Brown, was released earlier this year on a nonviolent charge of misusing 911, despite a history of violent felony convictions.

Governor Josh Stein has expressed support for justice system reforms, saying,

“More accountability, including an unambiguous chain of command, published disciplinary processes, and common sense removal procedures, will boost confidence in our system,” Gov. Stein said.

Security changes with CATS

Also, on Monday night, the Charlotte City Council will consider a new jurisdiction agreement between Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) security and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD).

Under the proposal, CATS’ private security agents would be authorized to make arrests and issue citations not only on transit properties, but also in surrounding areas, such as the Rail Trail and the Transit Center.

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