Charlotte Light-Rail Killing Fuels Debate: Sheriff Warns Iryna’s Law Will Overcrowd County Jails

Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden warned that Iryna’s Law — enacted after the August killing of 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska on Charlotte's light rail — will increase detention populations and strain local jails. The sheriff raised concerns at a Monday news conference, saying the measure creates new mandates for local law enforcement without providing additional state funding.

What the Law Does

Signed by Gov. Josh Stein in October as House Bill 307, Iryna’s Law tightens pretrial-release rules for repeat and violent offenders. The law was named for Zarutska, who prosecutors say was murdered by Decarlos Brown Jr., a repeat offender who now faces charges in the case.

Sheriff's Concerns

McFadden argued the law removes some discretion from magistrates and judges and undermines recent bond reforms, which he says will leave more people in custody for longer periods. "This law will cause our detention centers' numbers to rise. We will have more people staying inside a detention center for longer than normal," he said.

"House Bill 307 did not bring us any resources, and it did not bring any funding," McFadden added, urging lawmakers not to impose sweeping mandates without consulting the agencies that must implement them.

Operational and Safety Impacts

The sheriff warned that jail staff will have to manage a "much more difficult population," including people with acute mental-health needs who may remain in custody longer. He said these inmates will be housed alongside people arrested for robbery, rape and murder, increasing pressure on staff and complicating family communications.

McFadden also said local judges and magistrates faced violent attacks and threats on social media after Zarutska's killing, prompting law-enforcement efforts to protect them. He said those threats have made judicial officers more cautious about releasing defendants.

Call For Consultation

McFadden urged legislators in Raleigh to include sheriffs and local detention officials in future criminal-justice policy discussions. "We need a seat at the table and a voice when new laws directly affect county operations," he said.

Context: Supporters of Iryna’s Law say it strengthens public safety by limiting pretrial release for dangerous repeat offenders. Opponents and some local officials warn about operational and funding consequences for county jails and court systems.