Tragic Loss: Aspiring Teacher Killed in Random Act of Violence
A community is mourning the senseless death of Logan Federico, a 22-year-old college student from North Carolina, who was fatally shot during a break-in at her friends’ home in Columbia, South Carolina. The Columbia Police Department has described the crime as a random act of violence perpetrated by a career criminal, Alexander Dickey, 30.
Federico, an aspiring teacher from Waxhaw, North Carolina, was visiting friends in Columbia and staying at a house on Cypress Street. The tragic incident occurred early on Saturday morning. According to police reports, Dickey drove a stolen vehicle into the neighborhood and parked it on Cypress Street. He then allegedly broke into one home, stealing keys to another vehicle and a firearm. Subsequently, he broke into the home where Federico was staying.
Inside the house, Dickey allegedly stole several credit cards. He then encountered Federico sleeping in one of the rooms and fatally shot her. Authorities were called to the residence around 11 a.m., where Federico was pronounced dead from a gunshot wound.
Columbia Police Chief Skip Holbrook expressed his condolences and described Federico as a "true victim" of this senseless crime.
The investigation revealed that Dickey went on a "shopping spree" the following day, using the stolen credit cards in West Columbia. The stolen vehicle he was driving broke down in Saluda County, prompting him to call a tow truck to transport it to a residence in Gaston.
Law enforcement officials began tracking Dickey as a person of interest and responded to the residence in Gaston on May 3. Upon their arrival, Dickey allegedly fled the home, leading to an extensive search that lasted throughout Saturday.
The pursuit ended around 4 p.m. on May 4, when a Gaston resident reported seeing a man, later identified as Dickey, emerging from the woods and stealing a car. He then drove to the initial Gaston residence that law enforcement had responded to the day before and forced his way inside. Authorities quickly surrounded the residence and apprehended Dickey.
During a news conference, Federico’s father, Stephen Federico, shared heartfelt memories of his daughter. He described her as a strong, fun-loving, and spirited individual who was passionate about becoming a teacher. He noted that she was working two jobs to support her studies. He also mentioned her love for children and her status as a devoted Taylor Swift fan.
Stephen Federico also conveyed a message from his daughter to Dickey, stating, "You can’t kill my spirit."
Dickey is facing a multitude of charges, including murder, two counts of first-degree burglary, two counts of possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime, possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, two counts of grand larceny, grand larceny of a motor vehicle, and three counts of financial transaction card theft.
Chief Holbrook emphasized Dickey’s criminal history, stating, "Dickey… he’s a criminal." Court records indicate that Dickey has been involved in 40 criminal and traffic cases between 2013 and the present. He has convictions for breaking and entering, burglary, grand larceny, strong-arm robbery, possession of a stolen vehicle, resisting arrest, and more. His most recent conviction for resisting arrest resulted in a 30-day prison sentence.
The Columbia Police Department issued a statement expressing their deepest condolences to the Federico family and all who knew and loved her. "No words can ease the pain of their loss, but we stand with them in support and sorrow," the statement read.
The department also highlighted the collaborative effort between various law enforcement agencies in apprehending the suspect. "This case highlights the strength of collaboration. We are grateful for the outstanding partnership between the Richland County Coroner’s Office, the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, and our City of Columbia team. Because of our joint efforts, a suspect has been identified and apprehended. We remain committed to pursuing justice and supporting Logan’s family every step of the way," the statement concluded.
The tragic death of Logan Federico has sent shockwaves through the community. The senseless act of violence has sparked outrage and grief, prompting calls for justice and increased efforts to address crime. The community is rallying around the Federico family, offering support and condolences during this difficult time. The memory of Logan Federico, a bright and promising young woman with a passion for teaching, will forever be cherished by those who knew and loved her.
