A father is calling for action after his daughter was fatally shot during a burglary in Columbia, South Carolina, as reported by the police.
Stephen Federico expressed his determination, saying, “I won’t leave. My daughter won’t leave.” He shared his heartbreak, noting, “I can’t save her now, but I’ll buckle it. Put on your helmet.” His daughter, 22-year-old Logan Federico, was at a friend’s place near a university when she lost her life. Authorities say her suspected killer has a long criminal history.
During a House Judiciary Committee hearing in Charlotte, Federico, visibly emotional, urged lawmakers to consider the devastating impact of such violence. “Think about your child coming home with friends at night, lying down, and then waking up to someone breaking in,” he recounted, fighting back tears.
He recounted a horrifying scene where his daughter was taken from her bed, begging for her life, and he was tragically absent. Police have named Alexander Devante Dickey as the suspect, who faces numerous charges, including multiple felonies.
In his testimony, Federico called for stronger laws against criminals to prevent further tragedies. He insisted that the current leniency towards crime must end, advocating for more prisons and mental health support. He argued that if Dickey had been adequately penalized in the past, his daughter might still be alive.
While Federico pushed for accountability, some Democratic lawmakers countered, explaining that the “soft crime” approach isn’t solely responsible for individual tragedies. They pointed to underfunding in local law enforcement and the criminal justice system as part of the problem.
Rep. Deborah Ross emphasized the issue at the hearing, noting the impact of funding cuts on public safety. Federico dismissed these claims, asserting that it was not difficult to discover Dickey’s extensive criminal background, criticizing lawmakers for not doing their due diligence.
