In a heart-wrenching testimony before the U.S. House Judiciary Subcommittee, Steve Federico expressed his profound grief and anger over the brutal murder of his daughter, Logan Federico. The 22-year-old, who had dreams of becoming a teacher, was shot and killed during a burglary in Columbia, South Carolina, earlier this year. Steve’s emotional plea highlighted not only his personal loss but also systemic failures that led to his daughter’s death.
Logan had traveled to Columbia for a weekend with friends, a trip that would end tragically. On the night of her murder in May, police say Alexander Dicki, a man with a long history of arrests—39 in total, including 25 felonies—broke into the home where Logan was staying. Before killing her, he had already committed a series of crimes, including car theft and home invasion. Steve revealed that Dicki had received lenient sentences in the past, which ultimately allowed him to remain on the streets despite his criminal history.
During his testimony, Steve recounted the horrifying circumstances of Logan’s murder, emphasizing the terror she faced. “She was forced on her knees, begging for her life,” he said, his voice filled with anguish. He questioned how a man with such a violent past could still be free, demanding accountability from lawmakers who, he believes, have failed to protect innocent lives. “He should have been in jail,” Steve asserted, lamenting that Dicki had spent only a fraction of his potential sentence behind bars.
The testimony took a turn when Congresswoman Deborah Ross mistakenly referred to Logan as Ireina Zerutska, another victim of violent crime. Ireina, a Ukrainian refugee, was killed on a train in Charlotte earlier this year, and her case had received significant media attention. Steve’s correction of the congresswoman underscored his frustration with the lack of recognition for Logan’s story. “How dare you not know her?” he exclaimed, highlighting the broader issue of how victims’ stories can be overlooked or misrepresented.
In his passionate appeal, Steve Federico called for sweeping reforms to the criminal justice system to prevent tragedies like his daughter’s from occurring again. He argued that current policies are insufficient in dealing with repeat offenders like Dicki, suggesting that the system needs a complete overhaul to ensure that dangerous individuals are kept off the streets. He proposed mandatory fingerprinting for arrests and comprehensive background checks to improve accountability and communication among law enforcement agencies.
Steve’s fight for justice extends beyond his personal loss; he aims to raise awareness and push for changes that could save lives. “This goes nationally and throughout the world,” he said, expressing hope that by sharing Logan’s story, he can contribute to a movement for reform. The case against Alexander Dicki is ongoing, and as of now, no trial date has been set. Steve Federico continues to advocate for his daughter, determined that her name and story will not be forgotten and that meaningful changes will emerge from this tragedy.
The emotional weight of this testimony serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of systemic failures in the justice system. As Steve Federico fights for justice for Logan, his story resonates with many who have experienced similar losses, highlighting the urgent need for reform in a system that too often allows violent offenders to slip through the cracks.