The Black on White Brutal Murder of Iryna Zarutska

Who is really at fault?

Who was the judge that authorized DeCarlos Brown free (for the 14th time) on a written promise to appear. Thus allowing allowing the savage murder of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska by DeCarlos Brown.

Teresa Stokes, a magistrate judge in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, authorized the release of DeCarlos Brown Jr. on a written promise to appear in court. This occurred after his January 2025 arrest for misusing the 911 system, despite his history of over 14 prior arrests, including for armed robbery, assault, and firearm possession by a felon, as well as a schizophrenia diagnosis. Court documents signed by Stokes confirm the release without bond or other conditions, which has drawn significant criticism following Brown's August 22, 2025, stabbing death of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska on a Charlotte light rail train. North Carolina Republicans, including state House Speaker Tim Moore, have called for Stokes' removal, citing it as a "willful failure" to protect the public, though magistrate judges in the state are not required to be licensed attorneys.

A magistrate judge is a judicial officer who handles specific legal duties, often at a lower level than a full district or superior court judge, depending on the jurisdiction. In the U.S., their role varies by state and federal system, but generally, they assist higher courts by managing preliminary or less complex matters.

• Role in North Carolina: In Mecklenburg County, where DeCarlos Brown was released, magistrate judges are appointed officials who handle initial court proceedings. Their duties include:
• Setting bail or release conditions.
• Issuing arrest and search warrants.
• Conducting initial appearances for defendants.
• Handling minor civil and criminal matters, like traffic violations or small claims.
• Qualifications: In North Carolina, magistrate judges are not required to be licensed attorneys. They are appointed by the senior resident superior court judge for two-year terms and must meet basic eligibility criteria, such as being a resident of the county and passing a background check. This has been a point of contention in Brown’s case, as critics argue the lack of legal training may affect decision-making in serious cases. 
• Federal vs. State: In the federal system, magistrate judges are appointed by district court judges, typically serve eight-year terms, and must be lawyers with legal experience. They handle pretrial matters, misdemeanor cases, and civil disputes with consent. In contrast, North Carolina’s state-level magistrates, like Teresa Stokes, have less stringent requirements and more limited authority.
• Context in Brown’s Case: Teresa Stokes, the magistrate judge who authorized Brown’s release on a written promise to appear, was criticized for the decision given his criminal history and mental health issues. Magistrates in North Carolina have significant discretion in setting bond conditions, but their decisions are often made quickly during initial appearances, sometimes with limited information.

Judge Carla Archie is the Senior Resident Superior Court Judge for Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, in the 26th Judicial District who has held this position her administrative role since September 1, 2021, during which time she appointed Teresa Stokes as a magistrate judge. This is confirmed by the official Mecklenburg County Court administration directory and a 2021 press release from the North Carolina Judicial Branch.