Father of Murdered Daughter Criticizes Rep. for Confusion
Steve Federico, whose 22-year-old daughter Logan was brutally murdered, has called out North Carolina Rep. Deborah Ross for mistaking his daughter for another victim during an appearance on Fox News’ Ingraham Angle. The incident occurred during a House Judiciary Committee hearing on Monday.
According to Federico, Ross confused his daughter with Irina Zaratzka. After he pointed out the mistake, she issued an apology. Laura Ingraham aired clips from the hearing, emphasizing what she termed the “carelessness and heartlessness” of Ross’s comments.
“It was humiliating,” Federico said. “I prepared thoroughly for the meeting. I should have known exactly who I was addressing. The focus was violence against innocent people, and not recognizing Logan was hurtful. Her pictures were right there.” He further noted, “Yes, they’re both blonde and beautiful, but I didn’t know who you meant. That was a bit embarrassing and painful.”
While attending the hearing titled “Victims of Violent Crimes,” Federico was there as a witness to share his perspective with lawmakers. During the session, Ross expressed condolences to Zaratzka’s family, directing attention to Logan’s photo, remarking on the importance of seeing it in person.
When the conversation shifted to crime prevention and mental health care improvements, Federico interjected, “This is my daughter, OK? This is Logan Federico.”
Ingraham asked him how he was coping, to which he responded that he is “fighting” for his daughter. “I have to be Logan’s voice because there’s no one else. I’m not just fighting for her; I need justice,” Federico stated. “Someone has to advocate for the innocent left behind. We need significant changes. People like Alexander Dickie shouldn’t be out on the streets. It’s obvious.”
He continued, “I can’t understand how anyone could justify why he was allowed to roam free. There’s simply no explanation.”
Logan was shot and killed while visiting a friend at the University of South Carolina in Columbia. Authorities arrested 30-year-old Alexander Dickie in connection with the crime, revealing he had nearly 40 prior arrests across various North Carolina counties.
The violent nature of Logan’s murder occurred just months before the killing of Ukrainian refugee Zaratzka, who was fatally attacked on a Charlotte Light Rail train in August.
