North Carolina House Passes Law After Train Stabbing Incident

The North Carolina House recently approved a criminal justice bill named after a Ukrainian refugee who tragically lost her life on a train in August. The measure passed with a vote of 81-31.

This legislation, known as the Irina Law, honors Irina Zalzka, who was fatally stabbed while riding the Charlotte Light Rail. The bill aims to eliminate cashless bail for numerous offenses, while also tightening the discretion of judges and magistrates when it comes to releasing defendants pending trial.

The North Carolina Senate had already approved House Bill 307, which is also referred to as “Iryna’s Law.” This follows a string of discussions and legislative processes surrounding it.

According to reports, the individual charged in Zalzka’s death, 34-year-old DeCarlos Brown Jr., has been arrested and is facing first-degree murder charges after the incident occurred on August 22. He allegedly attacked her while on the train.

Recently released video footage reveals the moments leading up to the stabbing. It shows Zalzka boarding the light rail and taking a seat in front of Brown, who later pulled out a pocket knife and attacked her, reportedly stabbing her multiple times in the throat.

The video captures Brown appearing emotional while seated before Zalzka boards the train. Moments later, he stands and prepares to strike her, which occurs about a minute and a half into the footage. Viewers can see the moment of the attack, as well as Zalzka’s stunned reaction before she collapsed.

After the attack, multiple passengers noticed blood dripping from Brown as he moved through the train car.

Reports indicate that Brown Jr. is a repeat offender, having been arrested earlier this year but released without bail by a judge, despite having a history that includes 14 prior criminal charges such as armed robbery and various theft-related offenses.