The Nightmare That Shattered a Family
In the quiet early morning hours of May 3, 2025, in a rental home on Cypress Street in Columbia, South Carolina, 22-year-old Logan Hailey Federico’s life was brutally cut short. The aspiring teacher from Waxhaw, North Carolina, was visiting friends near the University of South Carolina when Alexander Devonte Dickey, a 30-year-old career criminal with nearly 40 arrests and 25 felony charges, allegedly broke into the residence during a crime spree. Police reports detail how Dickey entered a room where Logan was sleeping and fired a fatal shot to her chest, confirming her death as a homicide via autopsy by the Richland County Coroner’s Office. She was discovered hours later, her body undiscovered for seven agonizing hours while Dickey fled in a stolen vehicle, using her stolen credit and debit cards for purchases in nearby counties.
Stephen Federico, Logan’s devoted father, has made it his mission to ensure the world knows every harrowing detail of what happened to his daughter—not just the tragedy itself, but the systemic failures that allowed her alleged killer to roam free. “My daughter didn’t get an appeal,” he poignantly stated in interviews, highlighting the injustice of a justice system that gave Dickey multiple chances while denying Logan any opportunity to live. From emotional press conferences to fiery congressional testimony, Stephen’s voice has become a rallying cry for reform, demanding accountability for repeat offenders and vowing, “You will not forget Logan Federico.”
Logan’s story is one of promise extinguished too soon. At just 5 feet 3 inches and 115 pounds, she was no match for the intruder, described by her father as a “helpless victim” in a random act of violence. Columbia Police Chief Skip Holbrook emphasized at a May 5 press conference that “Logan was not an intended target,” her death touching the community in a way that “will never leave us.” Yet, for Stephen, the pain is compounded by the knowledge that Dickey’s extensive criminal history—spanning burglaries, robberies, and more—should have kept him behind bars. As he fights for “Logan’s Law” and pushes for federal intervention, Stephen’s determination ensures his daughter’s memory drives a national conversation on crime and justice.
Logan’s Bright Life: A Young Woman Full of Dreams
Logan Hailey Federico was the epitome of youthful vitality and kindness, a young woman whose life revolved around her passions for teaching, music, and family. Born and raised in Waxhaw, North Carolina, she graduated from Cuthbertson High School and pursued an education degree at South Piedmont Community College, with aspirations to become an elementary school teacher. “She loved children of all ages,” her father shared, recalling how she had recently discovered her calling just weeks before her death, babysitting full-time for neighbors and beaming with inspiration.
Friends and family painted Logan as “fun, fierce, and full of heart,” much like her favorite Taylor Swift song, “22,” which she jokingly claimed was written for her. A devoted Swiftie, she attended concerts with her father, cherishing those moments of joy. Logan had a “soft spot” for the University of South Carolina, often visiting friends there, which tragically led her to the rental home on that fateful night. She returned around 3 a.m. after a night out, ready to rest, unaware of the horror awaiting her.
Survived by her parents, Stephen and Melissa (or Camryn in some accounts), and younger brother Jacob, Logan’s legacy was one of loyalty and light. A GoFundMe raised over $50,000 to support the family and establish a scholarship in her name, reflecting the outpouring of love from a community she touched deeply. Her memorial service in Waxhaw invited attendees to wear pink in her honor, a color symbolizing her vibrant spirit. Stephen often reflects on her as a fighter who believed in accountability, qualities he now channels in his advocacy.
Logan’s life was blossoming—she dreamed of marriage, motherhood, and shaping young minds. “She was just getting started,” her father laments, underscoring the profound loss of a woman who brought purpose to every room. Her story, as shared by Stephen, humanizes the statistics, reminding us of the individuals behind the headlines.
The Crime: A Random Act of Violence in the Dead of Night
The incident unfolded as part of Dickey’s alleged burglary spree in the 2700 block of Cypress Street. After breaking into a neighboring home and stealing items including wallets and cards, Dickey entered the rental where Logan slept. Investigators believe he fired the shot while she was in bed, striking her chest fatally. Stephen has recounted forensic details suggesting she was dragged from bed, forced to her knees, and begged for her life and for her father before the execution-style killing—details that evoke visceral horror.
Dickey fled, using Logan’s cards for a shopping spree just 90 minutes after the murder, before his stolen vehicle broke down, leading to a manhunt and arrest in Lexington County. He barricaded himself but was apprehended, now held at Lexington County Detention Center on charges including murder, burglary, and theft. Columbia Police described her as a “true victim,” emphasizing the randomness of the attack.
The scene’s grim reality—Logan’s body undiscovered for hours—compounds the family’s trauma, as Stephen learned of her death after noticing her unresponsiveness and overdrawn account. This wasn’t a targeted hit but a senseless intersection of innocence and criminality, amplified by Dickey’s freedom despite his record dating back to 2014.
Systemic Failures: How Dickey Slipped Through the Cracks
At the heart of Stephen’s outrage is Dickey’s criminal history: 39 arrests over a decade, including multiple first-degree burglaries that should have carried 15-year minimums, yet he served only about 600 days in prison. Plea deals, dismissed charges, and errors like improper record-keeping allowed him to be treated as a first-time offender in 2023. “He should’ve been in jail for over 140 years,” Stephen asserts, blaming a “failed justice system” for escalating crimes by repeat offenders.
Stephen criticizes South Carolina’s handling, citing lack of communication from Fifth Circuit Solicitor Byron Gipson—claims the office refutes, stating multiple meetings and contacts. U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman called for Gipson’s impeachment over “neglect of duty,” while Attorney General Alan Wilson assigned a senior death penalty attorney and ordered an audit of Dickey’s record. Stephen wants federal prosecutors to take over, fearing state mishandling jeopardizes the death penalty.
Congresswoman Nancy Mace urged DOJ intervention under Executive Order 14164, arguing the case demands the death penalty. Stephen supports swift executions for such crimes, stating, “I’m 1,000% OK with the death penalty… justice has to fit the crime.”
Stephen’s Voice: From Grief to Advocacy
Stephen Federico’s public journey began at the May 5 press conference, where he tearfully declared, “I am Logan Haley Federico’s father… her hero. Unfortunately, that day, I could not be her hero.” He relayed Logan’s message to Dickey: “You can’t kill my spirit… but you cannot kill my love.” His testimony at a September 30 House Judiciary hearing in Charlotte was explosive: “Think about your child… dragged out of bed… bang. Dead. Gone.” He berated lawmakers, including Rep. Deborah Ross for confusing Logan with another victim, Iryna Zarutska, feeling dismissed: “My daughter is dead.”
“You pissed off the wrong daddy… you woke up a beast,” he warned, pledging to fight until his last breath. Pushing for “Logan’s Law” to mandate longer sentences and better tracking for repeat offenders, Stephen aims to form a coalition of affected families. He draws parallels to cases like Zarutska’s, urging society to prevent more “Logans and Irynas.”
Calls for Reform and the Path Forward
Stephen’s advocacy has sparked broader scrutiny, with Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette decrying the “failed justice system.” Proposals include expedited death penalty appeals, as in North Carolina’s potential “Iryna’s Law.” While Gipson’s office maintains communication, Stephen’s distrust persists, fueling his push for federal oversight.
The family plans a scholarship fund, ensuring Logan’s legacy endures through education. Stephen finds partial healing in this fight: “This is what Logan would want me to do. Logan was a fighter.” As the case unfolds, his voice ensures Logan’s story catalyzes change, preventing future tragedies.
In ensuring the world knows what happened, Stephen honors his daughter, turning unimaginable grief into a beacon for justice. Logan’s light, though ex
