Emotions ran high on Capitol Hill as Steve Federico, a grieving father, delivered a powerful testimony before Congress regarding the tragic murder of his daughter, Logan Federico. The 22-year-old was brutally killed on May 3rd in Columbia, South Carolina, during a visit to the University of South Carolina. Her accused murderer, 30-year-old Alexander Devante Dickey, has been painted by prosecutors and law enforcement as a "career criminal" with an extensive arrest record.
Dickey's criminal history includes 39 arrests and 25 felony charges over the past decade. At the time of Logan's murder, he was inexplicably not behind bars. Federico described in vivid, chilling detail how Dickey allegedly forced his daughter from her bed, onto her knees, and shot her as she pleaded for her life. The aftermath of the crime saw the suspect embarking on a shopping spree with Logan's credit cards, according to investigators.
Federico's impassioned plea to the members of Congress urged them to consider the pain and injustice as if it were their own children's. He shared the traumatic event that ended his daughter's life and her dreams of becoming a teacher. The grieving father squarely blamed the justice system's systemic failures for not keeping violent repeat offenders like Dickey incarcerated, stating that Dickey's track record alone should have ensured his imprisonment.
Authorities' familiarity with Dickey was apparent, as he was quickly identified following the crime. Federico denounced Richland County Solicitor Byron Gibson for negligence and called for accountability from all officials who played a role in allowing Dickey to remain free. He accused them of betraying not just his family but every American family.
The emotional testimony concluded with a promise that Logan's story would not be forgotten and a warning to lawmakers that Federico would persistently advocate for change. The father's words left a profound impact on the hearing, echoing a call for justice and policy reform.
