Congressman Randy Fine Targets Judges in Wake of Iryna Zarutska’s Murder
A shocking twist in the aftermath of Iryna Zarutska’s brutal murder has put America’s judicial system in the spotlight — and one Florida lawmaker is demanding a reckoning.
Rep. Randy Fine (R-FL) announced sweeping new legislation that would hold judges accountable when offenders they release commit fresh violent crimes. The proposal, inspired by the case of Decarlos Brown Jr. — the man accused of killing Zarutska — has ignited a fierce national debate.
Investigators revealed that Brown, despite a long and violent rap sheet, had been freed multiple times by more than a dozen judges before allegedly murdering Zarutska, a Ukrainian refugee living in Charlotte.
Fine didn’t mince words.
“Those 12+ judges that released Decarlos Brown Jr. should have their day in court too,” Fine said. “It’s easy to release criminals when you’re protected by an armed bailiff at all times. The rest of us aren’t so lucky.”
The Bill
Creates a new oversight mechanism to investigate judges whose decisions directly enable violent reoffending.
Authorizes sanctions if negligence or repeated leniency is found.
Aims to deter what Fine calls a culture of “soft-on-crime” judicial rulings.
Fine argues the measure would restore balance between judicial independence and public safety. “This legislation should pass with ease,” he declared, while openly doubting whether Democrats will support it.
The Backlash
Critics are already signaling resistance. Legal experts warn the bill could threaten judicial independence, chilling the ability of judges to make impartial decisions without fear of political blowback. Civil liberties groups are also expected to challenge the proposal, claiming it undermines the separation of powers.
What’s at Stake
The proposal lands in the middle of a volatile national debate over crime, public safety, and the role of courts in handling repeat offenders. With Republicans largely expected to rally behind Fine’s bill, the real battle will come in the Senate — and in the court of public opinion.
Conclusion
Rep. Randy Fine’s proposal represents one of the boldest challenges to judicial authority in recent memory. For grieving families like Iryna Zarutska’s, it offers the promise of accountability in a system they feel has failed them. For judges, it raises an urgent question: where does the line fall between independence and responsibility?
As Congress braces for a bitter fight, Fine’s bill could become a defining test of how far lawmakers are willing to go to restore public confidence in America’s justice system.