‘Iryna’s Law’ Signed in North Carolina, Opening Door to Firing Squad for Refugee’s Killer

North Carolina has enacted sweeping criminal justice reform in the wake of the brutal murder of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska, potentially paving the way for the return of capital punishment — including execution by firing squad.

Dubbed “Iryna’s Law,” House Bill 307 passed both chambers of the Republican-controlled Legislature with overwhelming bipartisan support before being signed into law Friday by Democratic Governor Josh Stein.

The bill’s namesake, Zarutska, was fatally stabbed on a Charlotte light rail in August. Her accused killer, DeCarlos Brown Jr., had a long arrest record and had recently been released on cashless bail. Brown also had a documented history of mental illness and prior hospitalizations.

The legislation includes an amendment that could allow North Carolina to resume executions using a firing squad, a method not currently authorized in the state. Lethal injection has been the only permitted form of execution since the death penalty was last used in 2006.

Supporters of the measure argue the firing squad provision offers a workaround to ongoing legal and pharmaceutical challenges that have delayed executions for nearly two decades.

“This is about making consequences real,” said John Hinnant, chairman of the New Hanover County GOP. “Science changes with lethal injection, but a firing squad works the same way it always has. It’s reliable — and it’s a deterrent.”

If convicted, Brown could become the first person in North Carolina history to face the firing squad, though Gov. Stein insisted the method will not be used under his watch.

“There will be no firing squads in North Carolina during my time as governor,” Stein said, while defending the broader legislation. “House Bill 307 alerts the judiciary to take a special look at people who may pose unusual risks of violence before determining their bail. That’s a good thing.”

Under the new law, violent offenders with recent involuntary psychiatric commitments may be required to undergo a mandatory mental health evaluation before trial. It also imposes tighter restrictions on pretrial release and eliminates cashless bail for certain offenses.

The law aims to speed up the appeals process for capital cases as well. Death penalty appeals will now be required to be heard within two years of filing — a major shift in a state that currently has 122 inmates on death row.

Despite political differences over the firing squad provision, Iryna’s Law signals a rare bipartisan consensus in North Carolina on tackling violent crime, mental health gaps in the justice system, and restoring public confidence in the rule of law.

Brown faces both state and federal charges. If convicted, prosecutors have signaled they will pursue the death penalty.