Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk and popular podcaster Joe Rogan have launched a scathing attack on North Carolina's judicial system after a career criminal was released months before allegedly murdering a Ukrainian refugee.
Shocking Revelations on The Joe Rogan Experience
During an episode of The Joe Rogan Experience recorded late last month, the world's richest man joined the UFC commentator in criticising Magistrate Teresa Stokes, who authorised the release of Decarlos Brown Jr in January. Brown now stands accused of murdering Iryna Zarutska in August.
Musk made the startling claim: 'I believe that judge has no legal law degree or a significant legal experience that would allow them to be a judge. They were just made a judge.'
Rogan reacted with disbelief, asking: 'You could be a judge without a law degree? Wow. So I could be a judge?' After joking that this could be an 'interesting' career move, the podcast host described the practice as 'crazy.'
North Carolina's Magistrate System Under Fire
The controversy centres around North Carolina's unique requirements for magistrates. Unlike many judicial positions, the state doesn't require magistrates to hold law degrees. Instead, candidates need either:
- A four-year college degree in any field
- Eight years of experience as a clerk of superior court
- A two-year associate degree with four years of relevant work experience
Magistrates are nominated by the clerk of superior court, appointed by the senior resident superior court judge, and supervised by the chief district court judge - they are not elected positions.
Rogan emphasised the apparent contradiction: 'if you want to be a doctor, you have to go to medical school. I thought if you're going to be a judge, you have to understand the law.'
Tragic Consequences of Judicial Decision
The discussion was prompted by the tragic case of Iryna Zarutska, a Ukrainian refugee who had recently arrived in the United States 'seeking safety from the war and hoping for a new beginning' according to her family's GoFundMe page.
Brown, who was homeless and diagnosed with schizophrenia, had an extensive criminal record including:
- Armed robbery in 2014
- Assaulting his sister in 2021
- Multiple previous arrests
Despite this history, Magistrate Stokes released Brown on January 19 after his arrest for alleged 'misuse of the 911 system'. Court documents show he was released with only a 'written promise to appear' at his next hearing.
The arrest occurred when Brown called 911 while police were conducting a welfare check on him. He reportedly told officers he believed 'man-made' materials were inside his body controlling his movements.
Tragically, on August 22, Brown allegedly stabbed Zarutska to death at South End light rail station in Charlotte, North Carolina. Disturbing video footage obtained by the Daily Mail shows Brown casually wandering the platform moments after the attack while commuters fled in panic.
Aftermath and Legal Proceedings
Police arrested Brown just five minutes after the murder, tackling him to the ground. He was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries before being charged with first-degree murder.
The case has sparked nationwide outrage and questions about public safety in the US. Former President Donald Trump was among those who criticised the decision to release Brown.
Recently, a federal grand jury indicted Brown on charges of violence against a railroad carrier and mass transportation system resulting in death. The indictment notes he could be eligible for the death penalty.
The Daily Mail attempted to contact Magistrate Stokes through a number listed by the North Carolina courts system but was unsuccessful. The publication also reached out to the North Carolina courts system via email for comment on Rogan and Musk's remarks.
This tragic case has ignited a crucial debate about judicial qualifications and public safety protocols within the American legal system.
