💔 “She was what this country needed.” — Those were the trembling words of Stephen Federico, a father whose 22-year-old daughter Logan never made it home that night. 😢
This wasn’t a random tragedy — it was the result of years of repeated mistakes, as the same individual had been released 39 times despite a long record, yet was still able to enter Logan’s home.
But here’s what no one expected: investigators quietly uncovered a piece of evidence found near her phone just 2 streets away — a clue that could finally expose the deeper truth behind what happened. 👇 (Full story in the comments)
A Father’s Unyielding Fight: The Tragic Loss of Logan Federico and the Call for Justice
In the quiet early hours of May 3, 2025, 22-year-old Logan Federico returned to a rental home on Cypress Street in Columbia, South Carolina, after a night out with friends. The college student from Waxhaw, North Carolina, was visiting near the University of South Carolina, unaware that her life was about to end in a nightmare of violence. What began as a routine home invasion escalated into murder when Alexander Devonte Dickey, a 30-year-old career criminal with 39 arrests and 25 felony charges, broke into the residence. Dickey allegedly shot Logan in the chest, execution-style, while she slept, before fleeing in a stolen vehicle and using her stolen credit cards for purchases.
Logan’s body was discovered around 11 a.m. that day, prompting a frantic 911 call. An autopsy by the Richland County Coroner’s Office confirmed the homicide, shattering the lives of her family and friends. Standing just 5 feet 3 inches tall and weighing 115 pounds, Logan was described by her father, Stephen Federico, as a “strong, fun, loving individual” who dreamed of becoming a teacher. She adored children, was an avid Taylor Swift fan—having attended a concert with her dad—and embodied the kind of youthful optimism that brightens any community.
Dickey’s criminal history paints a grim picture of systemic failures. Over a decade, he amassed dozens of charges, including burglaries and other felonies, yet spent only about 600 days in prison. Released repeatedly through what critics call “soft-on-crime” policies, including cashless bail and lenient sentencing, Dickey was free to terrorize neighborhoods. On the night of the invasion, he first burglarized a neighboring home, stealing wallets and cards, before entering Logan’s room and firing the fatal shot. After the murder, he continued his spree: using stolen cards for shopping, breaking into another home, and even setting fires before his arrest in Gaston, South Carolina.
Stephen Federico’s grief transformed into a fierce crusade for reform. At a U.S. House Judiciary Subcommittee hearing on violent crime in Charlotte, North Carolina, on September 29, 2025, he delivered a raw, heart-wrenching testimony. “How many of y’all have kids? Here’s what I need you to do. When I tell you this story… think about your child coming home from a night out with friends, lying down, going to sleep, feeling somebody come into the room… and wake them. And drag her out of bed. Naked. Forced on her knees. With her hands over her head. Begging for her life. Begging for her hero. Her father. Me. That couldn’t be there,” he said, his voice trembling.
Federico didn’t mince words about the justice system’s shortcomings. “Bang… dead… gone, why? Because Alexander Devonte Dickey, who was arrested 39 times, 25 felonies, was on the streets,” he declared, slamming policies that prioritize offenders over victims. He noted Dickey’s minimal jail time despite escalating crimes, arguing that repeat offenders like him “escalate… and when they escalate, it’s murder, generally.” No Democratic lawmakers reached out to him post-murder, including Rep. James Clyburn, whose district includes Columbia—a stark contrast to the Republican support he received.
The hearing highlighted broader issues, with Federico testifying alongside other victims’ families, like Mia Alderman, whose granddaughter was murdered in 2020. Rep. Deborah Ross’s gaffe—confusing Logan’s name with Iryna Zarutska, another victim of a repeat offender—drew sharp criticism, underscoring the perceived indifference from some politicians. On X (formerly Twitter), users echoed Federico’s pain, with posts demanding accountability and sharing videos of his testimony, amplifying calls for change.
Federico’s vow is resolute: “You will not forget her name, I promise you… I will fight until my last breath for my daughter.” He’s pushing for “Logan’s Law,” a federal measure to detain dangerous repeat offenders and prevent their release. This echoes state efforts like North Carolina’s “Iryna’s Law,” which expedites appeals and expands execution methods for heinous crimes. South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson has urged prosecutors to seek the death penalty against Dickey, citing the burglary-murder circumstances and his record.
Rep. Ralph Norman (R-SC) called for impeaching Fifth Circuit Solicitor Byron Gipson, accusing him of poor communication with the family. Officials defend their case-building but acknowledge the need for patience. WIS-TV investigations revealed flaws in Dickey’s record-keeping that might have allowed earlier intervention.
Logan’s story isn’t isolated; it’s symptomatic of a recidivism crisis. A Department of Justice report shows 68% of released prisoners rearrested within three years, fueling public outrage over policies like early releases and no-cash bail. On X, discussions rage, with users like @TaraBull808 noting “ZERO MEDIA OUTRAGE” due to narrative mismatches, while others demand firing squads or stricter laws.
Federico often reflects on Logan’s spirit: “She fought for the underdog… She cared about people.” Now, he’s the underdog fighter, ensuring her legacy drives reform. “She was what this country needed,” he said, a poignant reminder of the bright futures cut short by preventable violence. As the case against Dickey proceeds— with him held at Lexington County Detention Center—Federico’s voice echoes: the system must prioritize victims, or more families will suffer.
In pushing for Logan’s Law, Federico channels his daughter’s compassion into action, demanding accountability from lawmakers, judges, and prosecutors. His testimony has sparked national conversations, from congressional halls to social media, urging a shift from leniency to protection. While Dickey faces potential capital punishment, the real battle is legislative: ending cycles of release and reoffense that claim innocent lives.
Logan’s death, though tragic, has ignited a movement. Stephen Federico won’t rest, vowing to haunt the halls of power until change comes. For Logan Haley Federico—teacher-in-waiting, Swiftie, and beacon of kindness—her father’s promise ensures she won’t be forgotten. The question remains: Will America listen before another “bang… dead… gone”?
