In a heart-wrenching testimony before the U.S. House Judiciary Subcommittee, Steve Federico expressed his profound anger and grief over the murder of his daughter, Logan Federico, who was shot during a burglary in Columbia, South Carolina. Logan, a 22-year-old aspiring teacher, was visiting friends when she was tragically killed by Alexander Dicki, a man with an extensive criminal history, including 39 arrests and 25 felonies.
Logan’s murder, which occurred on a fateful night in May, has been described by her father as entirely preventable. Dicki, who had previously faced charges for burglary and other offenses, was on the streets despite his long rap sheet. The narrative surrounding Dicki’s criminal history reveals significant systemic failures in the justice system, including incomplete records that led to lighter sentences. A statement from Solicitor Rick Huard highlighted that due to missing data, Dicki’s prior convictions were not accounted for, allowing him to receive lenient sentences instead of the lengthy prison time his history warranted.
During the emotionally charged hearing, Steve Federico called on lawmakers to take accountability for their role in allowing repeat offenders like Dicki to remain free. He recounted the harrowing details of Logan’s last moments, emphasizing her plea for life as she was forced to her knees before being shot. “You woke up a beast and you pissed off the wrong daddy,” he declared, vowing to fight for justice for his daughter and to ensure that no other family endures such a loss.
Federico’s anger was further fueled by a blunder from Congresswoman Deborah Ross, who mistakenly referred to Logan as another murder victim, Ireina Zerutska. This incident intensified his frustration, as he felt it underscored a lack of awareness and respect for victims of violent crime. He passionately demanded that lawmakers prioritize the safety of their communities and reevaluate soft-on-crime policies that fail to protect innocent lives.
The call for change extends beyond emotional appeals. Federico advocates for comprehensive reforms in the criminal justice system, including mandatory fingerprinting for all arrests, better communication and accountability among law enforcement agencies, and a thorough review of plea deals and probation practices. He insists that the current system is failing to keep dangerous offenders off the streets, as evidenced by Dicki’s continued criminal behavior.
As the trial for Alexander Dicki looms, Steve Federico is pressing for the prosecution to pursue the death penalty, arguing that the severity of the crime warrants it. He believes that adhering to the law is crucial and that justice must be served not only for Logan but for all victims of similar tragedies.
Steve Federico’s determination to keep his daughter’s memory alive is palpable, as he continues to share her story with the hope of inspiring systemic change. “This goes nationally and throughout the world. Just imagine how many lives we can save together,” he stated, underscoring the need for a collective effort to address the flaws in the justice system and prevent future tragedies.
Logan Federico’s case serves as a somber reminder of the consequences of systemic failures in addressing violent crime and the urgent need for reform to protect the innocent. As her father continues his fight for justice, it is clear that his mission is not just to honor his daughter’s memory but to advocate for a safer future for all.
