Congressman Tim Moore Leads Letter Demanding the Removal of Judge Who Freed Suspect Prior to Charlotte Light Rail Murder

WASHINGTON, D.C. —  Today, Congressman Tim Moore (NC-14) is leading a letter signed by all 10 of the North Carolina House Republicans demanding the removal of unelected Magistrate Judge Teresa Stokes, who released a repeat offender who went on to brutally murder a Ukrainian woman on the Charlotte light rail. The letter is addressed to Chief District Court Judge Roy Wiggins, who has the authority to initiate formal removal proceedings.

“North Carolina’s justice system failed Iryna Zarutska. She came to Charlotte looking for safety and a better life, but instead, she was brutally murdered by a repeat offender who never should’ve been let back on the streets,” said Congressman Moore. “Judge Stokes had the chance to protect the public and chose not to. It’s clear that she’s unfit to hold this consequential position and should be removed from the bench immediately.”

In the letter, the lawmakers state, “By releasing a repeat violent offender on nothing more than his written promise to appear, Magistrate Stokes displayed a willful failure to perform the duties of her office and engaged in conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice, as set forth in N.C.G.S. § 7A-173(a).”

The lawmakers also request that other cases be reviewed, saying, “We further request that the Court conduct a thorough review of her prior bond determinations to assess the full extent of misconduct.”

In North Carolina, magistrate judges are appointed officials who handle critical early-stage decisions in criminal cases, including setting bond and release conditions. Unlike elected judges, magistrates are appointed and may not be required to have a law degree. When a magistrate like Judge Teresa Stokes allows a repeat offender to walk free — only for that individual to commit a violent murder days later — it reveals a dangerous flaw in the system. 

This letter was also signed by Reps. Gregory F. Murphy, M.D. (NC-3), Virginia Foxx (NC-5), Addison P. McDowell (NC-6), David Rouzer (NC-7), Mark Harris (NC-8), Richard Hudson (NC-9), Pat Harrigan (NC-10), Chuck Edwards (NC-11), and Brad Knott (NC-13).

“What happened on the light rail in Charlotte is a tragedy that never should have happened. Teresa Stokes has failed the people and must be removed. She’s proven she can’t do the job and has lost the trust of the public,” Congressman McDowell said. “Democrat-run cities across America are ignoring public safety while letting criminals walk free to terrorize our communities. It’s past time to put law-abiding citizens first, and restore law and order.”

Congressman Mark Harris said, "Why would a judge knowingly let a repeat criminal with serious mental issues out on our streets? Pro-crime judges must be held responsible for their failure to carry out the most basic, commonsense duties. We must ensure there are no future Iryna Zarutskas."

Congressman David Rouzer further stated, "Magistrate Stokes’ rulings highlight exactly why liberal soft-on-crime policies are failing our communities locally and nationwide. When lenient laws meet lenient judges, public safety takes a back seat. This tragic loss of a life was absolutely preventable."

 Read the full text of the letter HERE.