Father of slain NC college student outraged by errors that gave suspect freedom
June 8, 2025
An already heartbroken father was left reeling after discovering that the man accused of taking his daughter’s life in a home burglary may have been behind bars for numerous other crimes if not for a clerical mistake.
Logan Federico, a 22-year-old aspiring teacher from Waxhaw, North Carolina, was tragically killed during a visit to the University of South Carolina in Columbia. Suspect Alexander Dickey, a 30-year-old with a lengthy criminal record, broke into the home where Logan was staying, stole credit and debit cards, and fatally shot her in what was described as a “random” crime by Columbia Police Chief Skip Holbrook.
Stephen Federico, Logan’s father, expressed his frustration with the justice system, stating that Dickey was a “career criminal” who should have been behind bars long before his daughter’s untimely death. Dickey had nearly 40 previous arrests across various North Carolina counties dating back over a decade. Despite this extensive criminal history, he was only sentenced to probation for a first offense of third-degree burglary in 2023.
Federico lamented the fact that Dickey’s rights seemed to be prioritized over the safety of innocent individuals like his daughter. The grieving father described Logan as an “electric” and outgoing young woman with dreams of becoming a teacher.
The errors in Dickey’s criminal record can be traced back to multiple instances where charges and dispositions did not appear on his rap sheet. South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) revealed that they did not receive fingerprints associated with some of Dickey’s arrests, leading to significant gaps in his record.
Despite the seriousness of the charges against him, Dickey managed to avoid significant prison time by pleading guilty to lesser offenses. This leniency ultimately allowed him to roam the streets and commit further crimes, culminating in the tragic loss of Logan Federico’s life.
Authorities in South Carolina have been quick to deflect blame, with different agencies pointing fingers at each other over the mishandling of Dickey’s case. The Lexington County Sheriff’s Office acknowledged that Dickey’s full record was readily available, even if his fingerprints were not included in his SLED rap sheet.
As the investigation into Logan Federico’s murder continues, her family and friends are left grappling with the senseless loss of a bright young woman with a promising future. Stephen Federico remains determined to seek justice for his daughter, hoping that the tragic circumstances surrounding her death will lead to much-needed reforms in the criminal justice system.
