Iryna’s Law Passed Heads to North Carolina's Governor's Desk

On September 23, 2025, the North Carolina House of Representatives passed "Iryna's Law" (House Bill 307), sending the criminal justice reform bill to Governor Josh Stein's desk. The bill was passed one month after Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska was killed in a high-profile stabbing on a Charlotte light-rail train. 

Key provisions of Iryna's Law

Stricter pretrial release rules: The bill tightens regulations for defendants charged with violent offenses or those with extensive criminal histories and creates a "rebuttable presumption" against their release without conditions.

Mandatory secured bonds for violent offenses: Pretrial release for a first violent offense must include a secured bond or house arrest with GPS monitoring, while a second or subsequent offense requires mandatory house arrest with electronic monitoring if available.

End of "written promise to appear" for misdemeanors: The bill eliminates this release option for magistrates, a practice that drew scrutiny after Zarutska's alleged killer was released this way for a prior misdemeanor.

Mental health evaluations: Judicial officials must order mental health evaluations for potential involuntary commitment if a defendant charged with a violent offense has a recent history of involuntary commitment or is believed to pose a danger.

Death penalty provisions: The legislation includes a measure that could restart executions in North Carolina by directing the state to find alternative execution methods if lethal injection drugs are unavailable. 

Aftermath and what's next

Sent to the governor: The bill now goes to Governor Josh Stein. While Stein supports some pretrial reforms, his stance on the full bill is unclear.

Potential for veto override: The bill passed the House with a veto-proof majority, making it likely to become law even if the governor vetoes it.

Concerns about mental health resources: Critics argue the bill focuses on punishment over underlying issues like mental illness and question if the state's mental health system can handle the new evaluation requirements. 

Cedar's Take

This is a big step in the right direction. For far too long we have watched liberal judges and politicians release violent felons back into civil society only to be arrested again and again.

To those who worry that this harder stance on pre trial release will over burden the courts, nothing could be further from the truth. What overburdens the courts are the same criminals being arrested over and over again. 

Too often a simple traffic stop becomes a bigger event needlessly because the perps know they can become violent and resist and there are never any repercussions. 

Resisting arrest needs to be added to those violent crimes that require a cash bond.

If a perp is arrested a second time they should not be even considered for release until there is a final disposition on the prior arrest. Too often we have arrestees who plie on arrest after arrest with never any consequences. 

Iryna’s Law makes common sense normal again. But this is only the start.

Park Road Shopping Center Removes CMPD Watch Tower Crooks Show Up

Two weeks ago two well-known shopping centers in the South Charlotte area were targeted by smash-and-grab thieves. 

According to local media, on Saturday morning September 7 there was an unfamiliar sight at the Park Road Shopping Center as crews cleaned up in front of a number of store that had broken windows and smashed in front doors.

The thieves left a wave of damage behind. In security footage from Dolce Lusso, you can see the suspects smashing in the glass door and going after the cash register. This took place Saturday morning.

Since most retailers are paid via credit and debit cards, the thieves apparently didn't get much for their effort.

CMPD hasn't asked for the public's help or announced arrests of any suspects.

Local news reports that in total five storefronts in the Park Road Shopping Center were broken into overnight. 

The properties Suraez Bakery, BikeSource, Orangetheory, Bluemercury, and Dolce Lusso.

Surveillance video from Dolce Lusso obtained by local media shows two cars pull in front of the store. Four masked people exit the cars and begin trying to break in the glass door.

The second shopping center was Ballantyne Village and it is believed to be the same crooks.

Recently Edens the Park Road Shopping Center management apparently demanded that CMPD remove the remotely operated "Watch Tower" from the property citing the appearance of a crime problem.

Thieves apparently took the removal as an open invitation. 

Cedar Posts has asked Edens the shopping center management team if there are any plans to return the watch towers to the Park Road Shopping Center - as you might expect "Crickets".

Additional Back Ground

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) uses mobile watch towers, also known as surveillance or camera towers, to provide elevated vantage points for officers to monitor large events and areas for criminal activity. 

These towers are equipped with advanced surveillance technology and can be used for various purposes, such as enhanced crowd monitoring during events like the holiday celebrations, or to get an extended view of a crime scene.  

Purpose of CMPD Watch Towers

Enhanced Observation: Towers provide a higher vantage point, allowing officers to see over crowds or long distances and monitor for specific behaviors or individuals. 

Crime Prevention: The presence of a watch tower can deter criminal activity and help prevent potential incidents. 

Incident Response: In serious incidents, like major crashes or car chases, a watch tower can offer a strategic view for police to assess the situation and track individuals. 

Types and Use

Mobile Towers: CMPD utilizes mobile watch towers, which can be deployed to different locations as needed for specific events or incidents. 

Surveillance Technology: These towers are equipped with advanced surveillance systems, including cameras, to provide comprehensive monitoring capabilities. 

Event Management: Watch towers are used to support operations during large public gatherings and events, providing improved situational awareness and safety. 

Uptown Lunch a Taco Platter plus an Order of Homicide

A decade ago a business lunch Uptown was uneventful - the "Suits" went to the "City Club" the "Cubical" crowd went to "The French Quarter" at Brevard Court but that was before Vi "Queen Bee" Lyles became Mayor. 

The decline has been rapid and stunning and well here we are and the reason .....

The African American Community has become a culture of violence, embracing gun play and criminality. This is normal to most of them. That is why there is never any public outcry, this is just accepted as life in the big city.

But this nappy headed MoFo Jarius Tamaal Jackson (age 33) executed his victim Jahday Jihad-Jarod Humphrey (age 20) in what the "AA" community will call an episode of “street justice”, right in front of Mucha Mucha, a Mexican Taco Lunch spot located at 137 Brevard Court in Uptown Charlotte.

Jarius Tamaal Jackson Photo Courtesy MCSO

Jahday Jihad-Jarod Humphrey (Deceased) Courtesy MCSO

Humphrey has priors for auto theft and simple affray. Jackson has arrests out of state. According to witnesses it happened very fast and without warning.

Humphrey apparently "disrespected" Jackson by calling him names and putting hands on him to which Jackson responded by pulling a weapon and chasing after Humphrey shooting him in front of Mucha - Mucha. 

CMPD Arrest Affidavit:

On September 18, 2025 at approximately 1333 hrs, officers responded to 137 Brevard Ct in reference to an assault with deadly weapon call for service. 

Upon arrival, they located the victim with apparent gunshot wounds. He was transported to the hospital where he was later pronounced deceased. 

The defendant turned himself in on scene. 

Detectives responded to the scene.

Detectives reviewed several angles of surveillance footage which depicted the victim beginning verbal altercation with the defendant. 

The victim punched the defendant in the face multiple times. The defendant produced firearm and shot the victim several times.

Detectives spoke with the defendant post Miranda who described the same series of events. 

The defendant claimed to be in fear for his life but is on camera approaching the victim after he was punched shooting the victim.

This detective is requesting warrant be issued for Murder N.C.G.S 14-17 due to the defendant's action on surveillance being inconsistent with self defense.

During a bond hearing on September 19, 2025 Jackson's request for release was again denied and he will remain jailed without bail until at least his next court date on October, 10 2025.

Cedar's Take:

The decline of Uptown is personally devastating to me.

My parents owed the bar across the street from the French Quarter, yes there was once a 2 story building there. A decade ago this sort of BS would have never happened. 

But according to departing CMPD Chief Johnnie Jennings crime is down. Never mind the 15 shootings in July within just a few blocks in either direction.

And I'll let Mayor Vi "Queen Bee" Lyles tell you how "By and Large Charlotte is a safe City"

Do you want "Hot Sauce" with that homicide? 

Jayce Edwards Age Four The Latest Victim of Charlotte's Soft on Crime Democrats

Steele Creak is a war zone. Wednesday morning Charlotte thugs fired shots into a townhome while stealing a black Dodge Charger.

The suspect “fired directly, intentionally” into the house, unprovoked and for unknown reasons, said Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Major Ryan Kennedy.

The result was the death of a 4 year old little boy Jayce Edwards. 

Jayce Edwards

CMPD:

On Wednesday, Sept. 17, members of the Steele Creek Division and SWAT located and arrested Marquise Geurrier (Guerrier), 24, Angelo Hudson, 20, and Jordan (Jordon) Davis, 23. All suspects were transported to the Law Enforcement Center (LEC) to speak with homicide detectives.

                                                   HUDSON, ANGELO                      DAVIS, JORDON                   GUERRIER, MARQUISE

 

At the conclusion of these interviews, all suspects were charged with Murder and transferred to the custody of the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office.

 

On Thursday, Sept. 18, CMPD’s Violent Criminal Apprehension Team (VCAT) with the assistance of the Raleigh Police Department Fugitive Unit identified Anthony Abel, 18, as an additional suspect in connection to this case and took him into custody. Abel is charged First Degree Murder.

ABEL, ANTHONY

 

CMPD detectives are in the process of traveling to Raleigh to interview the suspect. In the coming weeks, Abel will be extradited back to Mecklenburg County.

CMPD Affidavit:

On Wednesday, September 17th, 2025, at 6:02 am, officers in the Steele Creek division responded to 2227 Cigar Court in reference to Stolen Vehicle call for service. An additional 911 caller advised that juvenile had been struck by gunfire in the residence.

The victim (Jayce Edwards) was pronounced deceased at the scene.

This case is being investigated as a Murder under CMPD complaint #2025-09170602 01.

Detectives reviewed multiple surveillance videos that showed subjects arriving in Dodge Durango and then several of the subjects breaking into Dodge Charger. At least one of the subjects was able to access the Charger and then drive off with the Durango in tow.

Before the Durango drives off, shots were fired into the residence at 2227 Cigar Court. Multiple casings were recovered from near the (where the) Durango (was parked).

Detectives were informed that (the) Dodge Durango was stolen earlier in the morning from Cabarrus County.

Detectives were also informed that a Chevrolet Camaro was stolen in York County. 

Surveillance video from that residence showed two males breaking into and driving off with the Camaro. One was wearing distinctive patterned hoodie and pants with a floral pattern. The other was wearing hoodie, shorts, and. light colored shoes (consistent-with one of the subjects later seen attempting to break into the Dodge Charger), 

The third individual was wearing distinctive jacket that was reflective on the front and back.

As the subjects drove off with the stolen Camaro, Dodge Durango is seen following them

Detectives in York County later observed the subjects matching the description of the Stolen Camaro and Charger at BP gas station in Mecklenburg County wearing the same clothing seen in the surveillance footage. 

From the surveillance footage at the BP Gas Station, Officers were able to identify Anthony Abel and Jordan Davis.

Those subjects left the gas station and entered Jeep, which had also been reported stolen.

CMPD units were requested, and they attempted to stop the vehicle. 

The vehicle fled from officers, and pursuit ensued with subsequent jump and run from police.

One of the subjects, Angelo Hudson, was apprehended. He matched the description of the subject at the scene of the stolen Chevrolet Camaro and Doge Charger.

Hudson admitted to being involved in the theft of the Dodge Durango, which was stolen in Cabarrus County. 

Hudson admitted to-arriving in the Dodge Durango at the York scene and leaving in the Camaro once his friend (in flower-patterned pants) was able to break into it.

He also admitted to arriving in Durango at the scene on Cigar Court, where they attempted to break into the Charger. 

He stated that he heard gunshots and ran back to the Durango. He also stated that someone from the Durango shot in the direction of 2227 Cigar Court. They then (left)following the Charger.

Hudson admitted to being with other co-defendants (Anthony Abel, Marquise Geurrier, and Jordan Davis) all at the scenes.

Detectives believe that there is probable cause to charge Angelo Hudson with the: Murder of the juvenile in the homicide.

Cedar's Take:

Everyone of these Mofos except Hudson has priors for violent crimes. 

Davis a five time loser (convictions) who should not have been walking among us. His release from parole in November last year was a mistake. Convicted of 18 charges in all most consolidated and still allowed to live among us. 

Guerrier has dozens of arrests and zero convictions. The Mecklenburg Courts are so screwed up that Judge Keith Smith granted a $5,000 bail request on prior weapons and drug charges and the Meck DA didn't object Today! September 18, 2025.

Able the 18 year old has 3 arrests this year all for weapons, drugs and car theft and on September 11, 2025 DWI and probation violation charge and was recently released from jail  back on September 13th. 

Hudson is apparently a first time loser at least in Mecklenburg County with no prior arrests

Shooting and Murders and One Victim is a Child "In Safe Charlotte"

Charlotte is 'by and large a safe city" according to Charlotte's "Queen Bee" Mayor Vi Lyles but that's hard to believe when your a family member of the two most recent homicide victims. One just four years old.

According to CMPD:

On Tuesday, Sept. 16, at approximately 1:42 a.m., officers responded to an Assault with a Deadly Weapon with Injury call for service in the 5600 block of Albemarle Road. Upon arrival, officers discovered two victims with gunshot wounds. Both victims were transported by MEDIC to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries. One victim was pronounced deceased at the hospital. 

and then.....

On Wednesday, Sept. 17, at approximately 6:02 a.m., officers responded to a Stolen Vehicle call for service in the 2200 block of Cigar Court in the Steele Creek Division off South Tryon Highway 49. Upon investigation, officers discovered one victim with gunshot wounds. The victim just four years old was pronounced deceased on scene by MEDIC.

Update

According to independent news source Tina Quizon in the Steele Creek homicide the victim is a 4 yr old fatally shot in their sleep in Charlotte NC from a shootout this morning during a Car Jacking, Queen City News reports - “CMPD states that gunfire hit the second floor of a townhome, killing a 4-year-old boy. Police believe the shooting into the home was intentional.…

As of 12 Noon CMPD Officers were still on the scene. No word on suspects but CMPD is looking for a Black Dodge Charger with "Red Brake Calipers" 

It might look like the above Charger should we have a better description we will up date this
stock photo" with a real photo. 

Murder Charges Against Maya Jena Jones Dropped

Murder charge against Maya Jena Jones in the stabbing death of her boyfriend Sharmaree Dezmond Bell-Brown was quietly dismissed at month.

Jones was released from custody by the Mecklenburg County Sheriff on August 1, 2025 after the charge of murder was dismissed. The Mecklenburg DA felt they did not have a case and could not proceed.

Jones was living at the home of her boyfriend's mother when she stabbed Bell - Brown in the chest with a kitchen knife.

In Charlotte justice is scarce, a hard commodity to obtain, in part due to the local media's emphasis on the latest sensational stories rather than follow up news. Perhaps in part to the fact that they are also controlled by their media partner the City of Charlotte Mayor's Office?

Police Affidavit

On Monday, March 24, 2025, at 0150 hours, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police officers responded to 3419 Burkland Drive, Apartment in reference to an Assault with Deadly Weapon with Injury call for service. 

The 911 caller stated that his brother was stabbed. The victim, Shamaree Dezmond Bell-Brown (Brown) (B/M, 08/21/2004), was found to be suffering from apparent stab wounds. The victim was pronounced deceased at 0228 hours by Dr. Nowak at Novant Presbyterian Main (Novant). 2.) Detectives are conducting Murder investigation in violation of N.C.G.S. 14-17 under CMPD Report 20250324-0150-01.

Detectives spoke with witness who identified themselves to law enforcement. The witness stated that they were woken up by an occupant in their residence stating that the victim and the defendant were fighting downstairs. 

The witness stated that they observed the victim holding the defendant's arms away from him, and the witness observed kitchen knife in the defendant's hand. The witness stated that they attempted to separate the two, and observed the defendant stab the victim in the chest.

Detectives interviewed the defendant, Maya Jena Jones (Jones) (B/F, 12/21/2004), who voluntarily waived her rights. Jones stated that she got into verbal argument with the victim. Jones stated that she went into the kitchen and grabbed kitchen knife. Jones stated that she struck the victim while she was holding the knife.

Jones stated that the victim began strangling her, so she stabbed him. Jones stated that she attempted to stab the victim more than once.

Jones and the victim are in dating relationship, and Jones is approximately three to four months pregnant.

Based on the facts obtained during the investigation, there is probable cause that First Degree Murder occurred and Maya Jena Jones (Jones) (B/F, 12/21/2004), committed these offenses.

Assistant DA's Reason for dismissal

The undersigned prosecutor provides the following additional information pertaining to the dismissal entered in this case: On March 24, 2025 the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) received call for service for an assault with deadly weapon with injury at 3419 Burkland Drive, Apartment A. 

When CMPD arrived they found 20-year-old Shamaree Bell-Brown suffering from two stab wounds; one to his chest and the other, superficial wound, to his lower back. Shamaree was transported to Novant Hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.

CMPD processed the scene and located blood on the kitchen floor, blood spatter on the walls and cabinets, and a towel with blood on the kitchen floor. The knife block on the kitchen counter was missing one knife, which was located with blood on the blade on the couch in the living room. There were two cell phones on the couch.

Shamaree's mother, Chenia Brown, stated she was asleep when her 13-year-old son woke her up stating Shamaree and the defendant, Shamaree's girlfriend, were fighting downstairs. 

Ms. Brown stated she went downstairs and in the kitchen. The kitchen light was off, but she saw Shamaree holding both the defendant's wrists above her head. Ms. Brown saw kitchen knife in the defendant's right hand and Shamaree was stating, "Mom, tell her to stop hitting me". Ms. Brown stated she moved between the two and that's when the defendant reached over Ms. Brown and stabbed Shamaree. 

Ms. Brown turned on the kitchen light and saw blood coming from Shamaree. Ms. Brown told her 13-year-old to call 911 and then used towel to try to stop the bleeding. Ms. Brown stated the defendant is always starting physical fights with Shamaree and threatened to stab Shamaree several days prior. 

Ms. Brown stated Shamaree doesn't go around hitting females and that he wasn't aggressive to the defendant at all. She said the only thing Shamaree ever did was fight his 13- year-old brother one time.

A brief initial statement was obtained from the 13-year-old living in the house, but formal therapeutic interview to obtain more detail was declined by Ms. Brown.

The defendant spoke with CMPD on scene and said she was arguing with Shamaree because she did not want Shamaree to touch her. She was pregnant with his child, they started arguing, and Shamaree became aggressive and started choking her. 

The defendant stated she "would've been missing if [she] didn't do it".

At the hospital the defendant told hospital staff she was asleep and woke up to the Shamaree trying to digitally penetrate her. She was

startled and they started to argue. 

She decided to leave, but Shamaree wouldn't let her. She went to the kitchen and said, "I don't want tohurt you". Shamaree was coming at her aggressively, so she slapped him, and he immediately grabbed her and started strangling her. The defendant stated she couldn't breathe, so she tapped him to tell him she couldn't breathe. 

The defendant said Shamaree's mother came downstairs and the sound of his mother on the stairs is what made him stop.

The defendant was also interviewed by homicide detectives at the law enforcement center. She restated much of what she said at the hospital adding she got the knife when Shamaree followed her into the kitchen as she tried to leave. 

She stated she did not recall stabbing Shamaree in the back, and it must have happened while she was swinging her arms while he was choking her. As Shamaree was choking the defendant, they heard Ms. Brown coming down the stairs and that's when he loosened his grip enough for the defendant to stab him. 

The defendant stated that both times she attempted to stab Shamaree, he was choking her. When asked about prior history, the defendant stated that approximately four days earlier similar incident happened when she tried to leave, and Shamaree wasn't letting her. She stated she grabbed knife and told Shamaree she didn't want to hurt him. 

Once she got to the door, she put the knife down and left. She detailed previous history between the two stating Shamaree had previously choked her, but it wasn't this bad. She also witnessed him physically abuse his mother and knew of an incident where Shamaree physically assaulted his little brother, the 13-year-old in the home.

The defendant concluded her statement by saying, if she hadn't done what she did, she would have died.

A review of the D's phones showed clearly volatile relationship between the two where Shamaree told the defendant she had been making him feel aggressive and the defendant berated him for having choked her on previous occasion. 

The two traded insults and it is apparent the relationship was both emotionally and physically abusive.

A review of prior police reports showed several incidents where Ms. Brown reported Shamaree exhibiting violent behavior. 

The reports range in date from July to December 2024 with Ms. Brown detailing Shamaree pushing her, striking her in the eye with gaming

controller, slapping her, throwing chair at his 13-year-old brother striking him in the lip, and throwing Ms. Brown to the ground by her hair and punching her in the face multiple times. The reports also detail Ms. Brown's statements that Shamaree damaged their microwave, television, mirror, gaming console, and kicked the back door.

To prove any charges against the defendant, the State would have to call Ms. Brown to the witness stand. Doing so would open Ms. Brown to cross examination regarding Shamaree's previous assaults and aggressive behavior toward her and his 13-year-old brother. 

The previous assaults documented in police reports corroborate the defendant's statement. Considering, in addition, the domestic violence past between the defendant and Shamaree, including evidence Shamaree previously choked the defendant, the State cannot prove to

jury beyond reasonable doubt that the defendant was not acting in self-defense on March 24, 2025. 

Since the State has the burden of proof and cannot meet that burden, the State cannot proceed. 

Oddly enough the state's charges from the December arrest on Jones identify Jones as the primary aggressor and those charges are still pending. 

United States Postal Service - Fail

Since 2020 and the COVID mess Mrs. Cedar has worked remotely from home Never Mind the plus and minus spread sheet of benefits and disappointments. FedEx has our home as a daily stop as does UPS. But the US Mail aka United States Postal Service delivers little more than junk mail most the of the time.

Every once in a while a certain piece of mail that is important shows up in the 6 times a week heads up USPS email showing our incoming mail. 

Inevitably the mail never makes it to our home. It's across the street or two blocks away at the same street number and many days there is no mail at all, never mind the notice that says you have incoming mail aka coming to you soon message. 

But gone are the days of "Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds" my carrier a Somalian refugee drives like a madman and speaks no English as he races from box to box often doubling back because he missed a house or parcel.

I joke with neighbors that the only English he knows is "look at me I'm the captain now".

Sadly with no mail for 3 days straight last week I decided I better ask via email what happened to my new captain?

The response was well troubling:

We sincerely apologize for the recent disruption in your mail service and appreciate your patience during this time.

Due to the recent holiday, combined with your regular carrier being on vacation, and an ongoing shortage of vehicles and staffing, our delivery operations have been temporarily impacted. As a result, we are currently operating at limited capacity, focusing on the delivery of packages only until full service can be restored.

We understand that this situation is unacceptable, and we deeply regret any inconvenience it has caused. This is not the standard of service we strive to provide, and we are doing everything possible to stabilize operations and resume normal delivery as quickly as possible.

Please know that our team is working diligently to address these challenges and ensure your mail service returns to the reliable level you expect and deserve.

Thank you again for your understanding, and we truly appreciate your continued trust in the United States Postal Service.

Sincerely, 

the United States Postal service

I get it times change.

Gone are the days of generational legacy I have a cousin who was a mail carrier and then postmaster in rural Laurens, South Carolina he was heart broken when his son became a pilot for FedEx.

Gone are the days of uniformed carriers that we knew perhaps not by name but with a certain familiarity just the same as if their names were all "Cliff".

Actor John Ratzenberger as Cliff Clavin - Cheers

Post offices where once the bastion of order and were always spotlessly clean. Today they are somber and decrepit. Gone are the FBI wanted posters and uniformed staff.

Add to the above mail thieves.

Like these two riding a scooter through my neighborhood a few weeks ago at 4:00 AM. They skipped my house but stopped at a neighbor who tends to travel a lot have let mail pile up for days. 

When I report this concern and my suspicion to the local post office I get a reply that they haven't had any recent theft reports and it is probably nothing. 

Seriously how would anyone know since their mail never shows up when expected anyway.