What the Zarutska Case Could Mean for the Future of Crime and Punishment in North Carolina

The recent murders of 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska in Charlotte and popular political personality Charlie Kirk have resulted in heightened questions about the prioritization of public safety in America. These two stories have largely developed state and national politicians’ stances around how our nation needs to handle crime moving forward, resulting in fierce party-line attacks. In North Carolina specifically, politicians such as Governor Josh Stein and House Representative Tim Moore have clashed on the most effective ways to prevent and mitigate violent crime. These ideological confrontations can stifle legislative progress, and must be reconciled to the extent possible for any significant progress to be made.

Editor's Picks, LocalJaya NadellaOctober 24, 2025Zarutska, Ukraine, Crime, Death Penalty, Josh Stein, Roy CooperComment

North Carolinians Ready to Kill the Death Penalty

“In December of 2022, the North Carolina Coalition for Alternatives to the Death Penalty (NCCADP) launched the “No More Death Row” campaign to end the practice of capital punishment in North Carolina. Last week, the North Carolina Council of Churches and NCCADP released a statement to Governor Roy Cooper, urging him to commute the sentences of all current prisoners on death row within the state.“

Editor's Picks, LocalAlanna PaschallApril 25, 2023Local News, Editor's Pick, Death Penalty, NC PoliticsComment

The Past, Present, and Future of North Carolina’s Harshest Punishment

The United States is the only country in the world that allows for those under the age of 18 to be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole (LWOP). Within the U.S., North Carolina is one of only 25 states that has not banned the punishment altogether. Since the practice was introduced in 1994, a series of legal battles nationally and within the state have slowly eroded the use of juvenile LWOP, and one case currently pending review before the state Supreme Court could effectively end the sentence for good.”

FellowsNoah GottliebFebruary 21, 2022NC Supreme Court, Death Penalty, Criminal Justice, Sentencing, NCPOLComment

What Does the Supreme Court’s Impending Decision on the Boston Marathon Bomber Mean for the Future of Federal Executions?

“Even if the court reinstates the death sentence, the prospects that Tsarnaev will actually be executed is…puzzling. For one, there is a paradox between the publicly stated positions of the Biden administration and the actions that have taken place concerning this case.”

NationalTanner BaileyOctober 24, 2021Boston Bombing, Death Penalty, Supreme CourtComment

Trump’s Quiet Rush to Execute Inmates in his Final Days as President

“The four years of Donald Trump’s presidency had many unprecedented moments. Adding to the list of historically unfortunate acts, the Administration resumed federal executions after they had been paused since 2003. Thirteen people were executed by the Administration in the time since July 2020 and the inauguration of President Joe Biden. This is more than the number of federal executions in over 56 years combined. Additionally, five of these were ordered during the transition to the incoming Administration, something that had not been done in 135 years.”

NationalBrennan MaynardJanuary 24, 2021Trump, Federal Executions, Death PenaltyComment