In the remote interior of British Columbia, Judge David Ruse carries a chilling moniker: the “Revolving Door Judge.” His counterpart in Ottawa, Judge Sebastien Grammond, operates in a city rarely known for bold action, yet both would likely find themselves at odds with a recently enacted law in North Carolina.
Dubbed “Iryna’s Law,” this legislation directly challenges the discretionary power of judges when dealing with violent offenders. The law’s genesis lies in a horrific tragedy. On August 22nd, Iryna Zarutska, a 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee, was brutally stabbed to death on a Charlotte light rail, the attack captured in a widely circulated and disturbing video.
The perpetrator, Decarlos Dejuan Brown Jr., 34, was no stranger to the justice system. Arrested fourteen times since 2007, his record included charges for armed robbery and firearm possession while on probation. This case, and countless others like it, highlighted a dangerous pattern across the state.
Eddie Caldwell, of the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association, explained the pervasive issue: “Very dangerous people commit heinous crimes and are released on minimal bond, only to re-offend.” While many such incidents remain unseen by the public eye, the Charlotte attack served as a stark and undeniable wake-up call for lawmakers.
Across the border in Canada, a different reality often prevails. There, some judges appear remarkably insulated from concerns regarding public safety, even when it comes to the well-being of children. Judge Sebastien Grammond stands out as a prime example of this disconnect.
Yohanna David Chol, a 38-year-old man with a lengthy criminal history, openly expresses gratitude to Grammond for preventing his deportation to Sudan. Chol’s record included convictions for assault, drug trafficking, and obstructing a police officer, leading immigration officials to deem him a danger to the public and order his removal.
Despite being stripped of his permanent resident status and facing an imminent deportation date of December 13, 2021, Chol received a reprieve. Just two days before his scheduled departure, Grammond granted a stay, citing the removal officer’s alleged failure to adequately consider new evidence regarding Chol’s mental health.
The judge declared he had “no difficulty finding” that Chol’s return to South Sudan would expose him to “irreparable harm.” Tragically, the true “irreparable harm” would soon befall Vuyo Kashe. Months later, Chol lured Kashe into an Ottawa street and executed him with seven bullets to the back, later convicted of second-degree murder.
The pattern of judicial decisions seemingly prioritizing the rights of criminals over public safety continued in British Columbia. Last summer, Judge David Ruse granted bail to James Plover, 33, in a violent domestic assault case. Hours after his release, Plover allegedly murdered his estranged wife, Bailey McCourt.
Ruse subsequently sentenced Plover to a mere twelve months for the assault by strangulation, and six months for three counts of uttering threats. He now awaits trial for the murder charge. These cases paint a disturbing picture of a system where dangerous individuals are repeatedly released, with devastating consequences.
In contrast, Iryna’s Law in North Carolina introduces stricter oversight of judges and magistrates when considering pre-trial release. It also streamlines the process for involuntary commitment to mental health facilities for individuals arrested with a history of mental health issues, offering a potential path toward preventing future tragedies.
The new law represents a significant shift, a determined effort to prioritize the safety of communities and hold those who pose a genuine threat accountable for their actions. It’s a response born from grief, outrage, and a desperate need for change.
