North Carolina governor reacts to young woman’s subway slaying

Gov. Josh Stein on Monday said he was appalled by footage showing the recent murder of a young woman aboard a light rail train in Charlotte, N.C. The video, released Friday, showed a man suddenly stabbing a woman in the throat, catching her off guard as she rode in a seat in front of him. A 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee, Iryna Zarutska, died in the Aug. 22 attack, according to local news.

Police arrested suspect Decarlos Brown, who was charged with felony murder several days later. Zarutska did not appear to know Brown. She had recently sought refuge in the United States to escape the war in Ukraine, according to local news.

Stein urged the North Carolina legislature to pass packages boosting law enforcement recruitment and retention. Records show Brown had been arrested numerous times before, on charges including assault of a female, injury to property, and misuse of the 911 system.

How have other officials reacted? Congressman Randy Fine of Florida on Sunday said on social media that he would introduce national legislation to make judges accountable when they release violent, repeat offenders who commit new crimes. More than 12 judges chose to release Brown over the suspect’s long criminal history, Fine said. About 65 thousand users of the X social media platform liked Fine’s post.

Dig deeper: Read Lauren Canterberry’s report on a deadly shooting at a Jerusalem bus stop.