NC lawmakers approve crime bill after deadly, brutal Charlotte stabbing; measure now heads to governor

RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — Hours of heated debate in the General Assembly continued Tuesday before the House approved a tough-on-crime bill introduced by Republicans, after the stabbing death of Iryna Zarutska on a Charlotte light rail train last month.

The bill named for Zarutska was in the House on Tuesday after being passed in the Senate on Monday evening. The House passed the measure along party lines.

The bill started with mostly bipartisan support, but after a leading Republican Senator, Phil Berger, added an amendment related to the death penalty, Democrats largely backed off their support.

That amendment would allow for alternate execution methods and expedite the death penalty process.

“We’re hearing buzz words: ‘kindness, mercy.’ Damn sure didn’t show mercy to her when he took her life,” said Rep. Brenden Jones (R).

Democrats say the execution angle of the bill does not help Iryna’s memory or prevent a tragedy like that from happening again.

They also say the bill doesn’t adequately address mental health concerns for repeat offenders, like the man accused in the train stabbing.

“Does it fund anything for mental health services, for beds? For these people (who) we do need to get committed and off the streets? There isn’t a dime in here except for transportation to evaluations,” said Rep. Marcia Morey.

The bill will now head to Gov. Josh Stein (D), who could veto the measure.