It sure is a bad and iffy way to run the business of LE. But NC presents an unusual set of legal circumstances and procedures that leaves cases like this unchecked.
The people of NC should be up in arms and writing to their legislatures to make the necessary changes in the laws such that a runaway freight train like Liefong can only get so far down the tracks before the plug gets pulled on his steam engine. Doing away with the mandatory-for-felonies indicting grand jury with no probable cause hearing would be good for starters. Another change that should be considered would be something that at least provides for a nod at the Sixth Amendment.
Make that "legislators", lol!