Rep. Mark Harris (R-NC) and all members of the North Carolina Republican delegation are urging the removal of Magistrate Judge Teresa Stokes, faulting her decision to release Decarlos Brown Jr., who is charged with the fatal stabbing of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska.
Harris on Monday posted a statement on X declaring that “the entire NC Republican delegation called for the removal of Magistrate Judge Teresa Stokes for letting Iryna Zarutska’s murderer out on the streets,” arguing her interpretation of pretrial release statutes “calls into question her fitness for service.” He noted that the District Court said it was “reviewing” and “evaluating” its policies and procedures, but asked if Stokes is still making judgments for other criminals “even though she has lost the public’s confidence.”
Harris attached a September 10 letter from Roy H. Wiggins, who confirmed his office was “reviewing our local bond policy” and “evaluating all aspects” of pretrial procedures following Zarutska’s killing. Wiggins explained magistrates would receive additional education on the impact of release decisions but noted the matter would be handled with “the confidentiality required by law.”