Wheels of Justice

The wheels of Justice in Mecklenburg County are seldom turning. 

The full quote is often phrased as  "The wheels of justice turn slowly, but grind exceedingly fine". 

This proverb is supposed to mean that while the legal process can be lengthy, it will eventually produce the absolutely correct and thorough outcome. 

For Kendall Crank died on March 28, 2019 after she was caught in the crossfire of a shootout on 28th Street near North Tryon Street in Charlotte nothing could be further from the truth.

The following day, CMPD would charge 3 thugs; Adonis Smith, 17, Marquis Smith 24 and 22 year old Tychicus Dobie with 1st degree murder.

But it would take six years before the first case would go to trial.

March of this year the case against Adonis Smith did just that after six years.

Adonis Smith Photo Courtesy of MCSO

Unfortunately the jury selected to hear the case had the educational equivalent of squirrels and the state's case was a disaster. The judge ruled in favor of the defense on nearly every motion and his lengthy instructions to the jury seemed to reach new levels of direction from the bench. In the end the jury like a squirrel in the road could not make up its mind.

On May 8, 2025 Judge Matthew Osman declared a mistrial, and released Smith on a 10 thousand dollar secured bail while rejecting the state's request to for electronic monitoring.

Smith was released from jail on May 9, 2025 at 9:39 PM six years and two months after he was arrested for the murder of Kendall Crank. He remains free on bail awaiting a decision as to a retrial.

Then last month the other two men accused of killing Kendall Crank in 2019 pleaded guilty to reduced charges.

The remaining two thugs would wait another two months before they made their appearances before a judge back in August.

With the disaster of Smith's trial the Mecklenburg County DA offered defendants, Tychicus Dobie and Marquis Smitha a sweet plea deal. 

Dobie and Smith Photo Courtesy MCSO

Dobie pleaded guilty to Voluntary Manslaughter and Discharging a Weapon into an Occupied Vehicle in Operation. Dobie also pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of a weapon by a prisoner, although those charges did not stem from Crank’s murder.

Dobie was released from the Mecklenburg County Detention Center on August 12, 2025 having been given credit for time served.

Marquis Smith pleaded guilty to Accessory After the Fact of Voluntary Manslaughter and Possession of a Firearm by a Felon and was released with credit for time served on August 6, 2025.

The men’s pleas come more than six years after 27-year-old Kendal Crank was murdered.

Crank was on her way to classes at the UNC School of Nursing when a shootout broke out on 28th Street near North Tryon Street, not far outside Uptown. She was killed by a single bullet.

The case against Adonis Smith is still pending it remains to active for the time being and he remains free on bond.

At this point the Mecklenburg DA has only 3 options:

Retry the case, which could take months or years of preparation.

Attempt to negotiate a plea deal with Smith’s attorneys.

Drop the charges.

The biggest obstacle may be that the murder weapon has never been located and that makes tying the gun, the bullet and the shooter to Crank's death conclusively a bridge too far. 

Additionally now that the two co-defendants have been convicted, and sentenced to time served, Spencer Merriweather has little choice but to dismiss the charges against Adonis Smith. 

Charlotte CATS Released Video Iryna Zarutska Murder

Several local TV News Stations elected to not air the video of DeCarlos Brown murdering Iryna Zarutska. WBTV however decided to air the highly edited video which is disturbing and heartbreaking. 

According to sources, Iryan finished her shift at Zepeddie's Pizzeria located on Nations Crossing Road and walked alone the 1/2 mile to the Woodlawn CATS Station to take the Blue Line home. 

The walk took would have taken her a little more than 10 minutes. 

While she likely walked alone, this would be normal for anyone living in the City of Kiev in Ukraine. A city with 3 Million people that despite the endless Russia attacks, is actually far safer than Charlotte. 

Charlotte's murder rate was approximately 11.1 per 100,000 residents in 2024, in the city of Kiev (Kyiv) the estimate ranges from 3.5 to 4.8 and is considered by many in Europe to be very high.

Cedar's Take:

Those who look away and turn a blind eye to this murder, are as guilty of uncaring indifference as Charlotte’s Mayor Vi Lyles.

The mayor's statement issued nearly a week after Iryna's death is extremely troubling:

"Charlotte is by and large a safe city. CATS by and large is a safe transit system. 

… tragic incidents like these should force us to look at what we are doing across our community to address root causes. We will never arrest our way out issues such (as) homelessness....

… those who are unhoused are more frequently the victim of crimes and not the perpetrators. 

Too many people who are on the street need a safe place to sleep and wrap around services to lift them up.

We, as a community, must do better for those members who… have no place to go."

And the idiocy of CATS management is no better:

Brent Cagle:

"On this night, I think that while the outcome is horrific, it’s terrible, the system, the processes, they all functioned as they should have on that night....,” 

The Mayor should resign as should Brent Cagle.

Anyone thinking of voting yes to allow Charlotte and Mecklenburg County to raise the sales tax by 13.5% to fund more of this madness needs to really reflect long and hard about being complicit in the murder of the next Lynx victim. 

Why Iryna Zarutska 's Death Means No To The Transit Tax

Charlotte City Council and the Mecklenburg County Commision want you to approve a 13.33% increase in our local sales tax. Of course they will say "it's only a penny" but over the course of a year it could cost you hundreds of dollars.

Plus, if you need to make repairs on your home or property the additional costs added to the price of materials in Mecklenburg County could be in the thousands.

Taxation is theft and taxation without accountability is the worst kind of theft.

City leaders want the money to fund transportation in Charlotte the majority of the money for Light Rail.

The plan as it stands is poorly conceived and without any guardrails and zero accountability.

Honor System

Charlotte's Lynx operates on the "Honor System" you buy a ticket ride to your stop and exit the train yet hundreds ride daily for free.

And there is no plan to enforce fare payment.

Decarlos Brown was riding for free when he murdered Iryna Zarutska.

It's an open secret that fares aren't enforced on the Blue Line says local news station WSOC TV.

Charlotte's LYNX system is not self-funded. It relies on a mix of local, state, and federal funding, with only a small portion of its revenue coming from fares. 

Which explains why they don't care if you ride for free.

But it creates a safety gap because people who don't adhere to the "honor system" are by and large criminals and in the case of Iryan Zartska killers. 

The system's funding sources include:

Local sales tax: In 1998, Mecklenburg County voters approved a half-cent sales tax to help finance public transportation.

Federal grants: The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has provided significant funding for LYNX projects through programs like the Capital Investment Grant Program. For example, the FTA covered half the cost of the Blue Line Extension.

State funding: The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) provides state-level financial support for transit projects.

Loans: The LYNX system has also received loans, such as the $180 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation for the Blue Line Extension. 

The Bottom line is they don't care that Decarlos Brown didn't pay a fare in fact Brown has most likely never paid a fare.

Why fare enforcement is important?

Filtering out disorder:

People who routinely evade fares are more likely to engage in other behaviors, from minor disruptions to serious crimes like harassment, vandalism, or violence. 

Improving safety perception:

Consistent enforcement helps create a safer and more comfortable environment for paying passengers, deterring those who would make the system uncomfortable or unsafe. 

Proactive crime prevention:

Fare enforcement can act as a proactive measure to identify and intercept individuals who are already using the system for criminal activity, rather than just checking for payment. 

Examples and evidence:

SEPTA:

Officials at Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) have stated that when fare evasion enforcement is increased, rates of crime and disorder on the system consistently decrease. 

Metro (D.C. and LA):

Officials in Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles have noted a link between fare evasion and violent crime on their systems. 

Federal studies:

A federal study mentioned by WSOC TV indicates an overlap between unpaid fares and increased crime on transit. 

With all this money going to transportation why is there is no plan to improve security?

CATS tells local news media that they don't know if Decarlos Brown purchased a ticket when was on board and murdered Iryna. 

But had there been a system in place to enforce compliance we all know this girl would not have been murdered.

Yet CATS leadership say enforcement doesn't inherently screen for weapons or address criminal tendencies directly.

In fact CATS Director Brent Cagle is drinking the same deflection Kool-Aid as Vi Lyles

“On this night, I think that while the outcome is horrific, it’s terrible, the system, the processes, they all functioned as they should have on that night,” Cagle said. “Now, I think, knowing what we know now, there may have been other opportunities for this, for this person to have got the help they needed, or to, you know, not been where they weren’t at night. But on this night, I believe that processes worked.”

CATS even goes as far as to say everything was successful.

“I want to talk about the things that were successful that night,” CATS Security Director told the local news. “The 911 call went in. And then the response from the call coming in six minutes, this person was in police custody.”

Clearly from the Mayor on down, City of Charlotte management is tone deaf and they clearly are not reading the room.

This fall we all need to send a strong message of NO!

NO we don't appreciate City Leadership's response to this girl's death and NO we are not going to pay for more of the same mismanagement with our tax dollars! 

NO funding of Light Rail until city leaders get there house in order!

The bottom line had CATS been a better steward of our tax dollars Iryna Zarutska would be alive today and the tax increase of 13.33 percent would not be needed.

Murder of Iryna Zarutska CMPD Affidavit

Caution this is about as brutal as a murder as you could imagine, committed by a soleless individual described in very straightforward and matter of fact manner.

On 08-22-2025 at approximately 2155 hrs., Central Division Officers received an Assault with a Deadly Weapon with Injury call for service that was occuring on a train of the Lynx Blue Line at 1821 Camden Rd. The call comments included that a female was just stabbed in the throat by a black male wearing a black shirt, light blue jeans, and an orange hoodie.

Officers responded to the scene and were directed by witnesses to the location of the defendant, Decarlos Dejuan Brown Jr., who was on the outbound light rail platform. The defendant was wearing the same clothing as described by the 911 callers and had a laceration to the outside of his right hand. The defendant was arrested and transported to a local hospital for treatment. A folding knife was located near the outbound platform. The victim was located in the rear car of the train at the inbound platform. She was pronounced deceased at 2205 hrs. The victim sustained a stab wound to the middle of her throat.

Detectives obtained video from inside of the train car. The video is clear and of ID quality. The victim enters the train car and sits in the seats directly in front of the defendant. The train travels for approximately four and half minutes before the suspect pulls knife from his pocket, unfolds the knife, pauses, then stands up, and strikes at the victim three times. Blood visibly drips on the floor as the defendant walks away from the victim. The victim goes unresponsive shortly after the attack. The defendant is the assailant on the video. There appears to be no interaction between the victim and defendant.

Detectives are seeking a charge for Murder.

Vi Lyles Statement Regarding the Murder of Iryna Zarutska

First and foremost, my thoughts and prayers go out to the young women’s family and friends.

This is a tragic situation that sheds light on problems with society safety nets related to mental healthcare and the systems that should be in place. 

As we come to understand what happened and why, we must look at the entire situation. 

While I do not know the specifics of the man’s medical record, what I have come to understand is that he has long struggled with mental health and appears to have suffered a crisis. This was the unfortunate and tragic outcome. While there are questions about the safety and security of our transit system and our city, I do know there have been significant and sustained efforts to address safety and security within our transit system and across our city.

Charlotte is by and large a safe city. 

CATS by and large is a safe transit system. 

However, tragic incidents like these should force us to look at what we are doing across our community to address root causes. We will never arrest our way out issues such homelessness and mental health. I am committed to doing the hard work with Mecklenburg County, community leaders, health care service providers, and the private sector to ensure that Charlotte continues to be one of the best cities in the world, with the highest quality of life for everyone.

I want to be clear that I am not villainizing those who struggle with their mental health or those who are unhoused. 

Mental health disease is just that – a disease like any other than needs to be treated with the same compassion, diligence and commitment as cancer or heart disease. Our community must work to address the underlying issue of access to mental healthcare.

Also, those who are unhoused are more frequently the victim of crimes and not the perpetrators. 

Too many people who are on the street need a safe place to sleep and wrap around services to lift them up.

We, as a community, must do better for those members of our community who need help and have no place to go.

Vi Lyles

Your elected Mayor of Charlotte

Props to Joe Bruno for sharing this.

Violent Charlotte Felons Arrested Again and Again

Why do liberal Mecklenburg County Judges keep releasing Willie Anthony and other criminals just like him over and over?

Three times in the last 7 months he's been arrested with a gun. He's a convicted felon and by law is not permitted to processes a firearm.

If he was prosecuted under Federal Law and convicted he would not see the light of day for ten years. 

If he has three prior felony convictions for violent crimes or serious drug offenses, the Armed Career Criminal Act (ACCA) (18 U.S.C. § 924(e)) mandates a minimum 15-year prison sentence without parole. 

Why are North Carolina courts so lenient?

Anthony's recent criminal history follows and we are leaving the best arrest for last. Like they say...... wait for it.

January 31, 2025 

Possession of firearm by felon 

Flee Elude Arrest

March 3, 2025

Probation Violation

March 25, 2025

On 03/25/2025 at approximately 1905 hours, Officer Epalito #5518, observed gray Audi Q5 SUV unsafely cut across lanes of traffic on I-85 South just prior to Brookshire Blvd to take that exit. conducted traffic stop on this vehicle as it backed up into parking spot at 220 Hoskins Rd. Because of this, was nose-to-nose with the Audi when stopped it allowing for clear view into the front windshield of the car.

As was approaching the car on foot, could clearly see driver, Willie Anthony, manipulating an object in the front of his waistband but it underneath the front dashboard and out of view from officers. then observed Anthony throw an apparent

firearm over his shoulder and into the trunk of the SUV. Due to the firearm in the vehicle, I immediately removed all three subjects from the car to conduct weapons frisk/probable cause search. Anthony was found to have an empty gun holster in the front of his waistband.

I located a firearm sitting in the trunk. The only other item ick there were some clothes. This is the firearm that I observed Anthony throwing. Anthony does not have permit to carry a concealed gun. Anthony is convicted felon out of Mecklenburg County

It was multicolor 9mm pistol of unknown make and model with serial number CAAN691. It appears to be Glock but has an aftermarket slide that does not have the make or model imprinted on it.

On 08/14/2019, Anthony was charged with Conspiracy Robbery with Dangerous Weapon, class felony (15 to 63 months). He was convicted on 11/20/2020 in Mecklenburg County Superior Court, North Carolina. He plead guilty and received active time of 22-39 months.

Anthony was read his Miranda Rights and he agreed to speak with me. He stated it was his sisters gun, then stated it belonged to his girlfriend. He said he didn't throw anything, and then said he threw his phone. He stated that the gun holster in his front waistband is for cellphone. The cellphone he was carrying is too big to fit in the holster.

Anthony is being charged with Possession of Firearm by Convicted Felon and Misdemeanor Carrying Concealed Gun.

April 8, 2025

Probation Violation

August 24, 2025

On or about the date of offense shown and in the county named above the defendant unlawfully, willfully, and feloniously did DISCHARGE FIREARM TWICE INSIDE HIS SECOND FLOOR APARTMENT INTO THE FLOOR DURING AN ALTERCATION. TWO PROJECTILES WENT THROUGH THE FLOOR INTO THE DOWNSTAIRS APARTMENT BATHROOM WHICH WAS OCCUPIED.

Thanks to judge Fritz Mercer Anthony remains behind bars at this time. We will keep you posted should he make bail.

Where is he now? Find out right here.

Decarlos Brown Was a Known Threat to Himself and Others

The murder of Iryna Zarutska on Friday August 22 before 10 pm was totally preventable.

From CMPD PIO

Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s (CMPD) Homicide Unit are conducting a homicide investigation in the 1800 block of Camden Road in the Central Division.

On Friday, August 22, shortly before 10 p.m., officers responded to an Assault with a Deadly Weapon call for service in the 1800 block of Camden Road. Upon arrival, officers discovered one victim with sustained knife wounds. The subject was pronounced on the scene by MEDIC.

Currently, a person of interest is in custody.

Several hours later CMPD again released a statement:

The victim in this case has been identified as Iryna Zarutska, 23.

As a result of the continued investigation, Decarlos Brown Jr., 34, was identified as a suspect in this case. Brown was transported to Atrium Health with non-life-threatening injuries sustained at the time of the incident.

Brown will be arrested upon his release. He is charged with First Degree Murder.

As a result of the continued investigation, Decarlos Brown Jr., 34, was identified as a suspect in this case. Brown was transported to Atrium Health with non-life-threatening injuries sustained at the time of the incident.

Brown will be arrested upon his release. He is charged with First Degree Murder.

Troubling Facts

Brown has a nealy 20 year history of arrests. Most were dismissed by the Meck DA's Office.

He has prior convictions for Felony B&E, Theft in excess of $1,000 and Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon. He has spent nearly 9 years of his life behind bars. 

Most recently released from prison on September 20, 2020 with a follow on period of parole that ended on September 20, 2021.

Brown was arrested once in 2022 twice in 2024 and most recently in January of this year:

From the CMPD January Charging Document on the January arrest:

On 01/19/2025 officers responded to 200 Hawthorne Ln (Novant Presbyterian Hospital) in reference to check the welfare call for service at approximately 2122 hrs. Once on scene, officers spoke with the defendant, Decarlos Brown, who advised that he believed someone gave him a "man-made" material that controlled when he ate, walked, talked, etc. 

Brown wanted officers to investigate this "man-made" material that was inside of his body. 

Officers advised Brown that the issue was medical issue and that there was nothing further they could do. 

Brown became upset with the officers answers and with officers still on the scene, and he called 911 to speak with police.

After Brown got off of the phone with 911 he was placed under arrest and charged with: Misuse of 911 (M)

They Knew this Man was Nuts

Just last month Brianna Buford, Assistant Public Defender filed a motion in court "QUESTIONING DEFENDANT'S CAPACITY TO PROCEED" and Judge Roy Wiggins signed the order for a "Forensic Evaluation" on July 28, 2025.

Buford was clearly aware that her client was mentally incapacitated. Yet he was allowed to remain free and in the public realm. This left him as a threat to others as well as himself.

Less than a month later he would stab to death a young 23 year old woman, Iryna Zarutska.

Where is Decarlos Brown now and answer is here.