Republicans in North Carolina Call for Judge’s Removal After Controversial Release
A group of Republican representatives from North Carolina is demanding the dismissal of a judge who allowed the release of a man accused of killing a Ukrainian refugee.
All ten members of the North Carolina House GOP signed a letter in January 2025, urging for a formal lawsuit against Magistrate Justice Teresa Stokes. The letter criticizes her decision to release DeCarlos Brown “based solely on his written promise” to appear in future court proceedings.
This call for action highlights Brown’s extensive criminal record, which reportedly includes at least 14 prior serious offenses, such as possessing a weapon as a felon, armed robbery, and physically assaulting family members.
The letter goes on to mention that Brown may have been out on bail—possibly related to misdemeanor charges, one involving a call to 911 where he claimed he was being controlled by “artificial” materials.
Furthermore, it states:
The murder of Saltzka was not just a personal tragedy; it reflects a broader failure of our judicial system. By repeatedly releasing violent offenders, Magistrate Stokes has shown a troubling disregard for her responsibilities.
The letter, directed to Supreme Court Justice Roy H. Wiggins, suggests initiating removal proceedings against Stokes and calls for a comprehensive review of past bond decisions to understand the full extent of what occurred.
Saltzka, only 23 years old, was attacked while sitting on a light rail train in Charlotte on August 22nd. Surveillance footage reportedly shows Brown standing over her and fatally stabbing her three times. He allegedly walked away with blood on his hands, and there are unconfirmed reports of him saying, “I got that white girl.”
If verified, these remarks could lead to hate crime charges against Brown. The FBI is looking into the circumstances surrounding the attack.
Brown’s history generally indicated he should not have been free, raising questions about his violent tendencies and lack of regard for consequences. It’s confusing how someone with such a past could have been released multiple times.
After being sentenced to five years in prison in 2014 for robbing with a firearm, Brown’s recent misdemeanor charges stemmed from an altercation with a police officer. Despite his documented history of violence, Magistrate Stokes let him go without enforcing significant conditions to protect the public.
It’s difficult to reconcile a compassionate view toward criminal justice with the need for public safety, particularly when it comes to those convicted of serious crimes. When a person has a lengthy criminal record, as Brown does, it raises very real questions about public safety. He had 14 arrests by age 34—no one should find that acceptable.
The community in Charlotte needs to reassess its political choices. Changes can no longer be put off. The issues are pressing, and the consequences affect everyone, not just the individuals directly involved.
