Tragedy in Columbia: Woman Killed in Home Burglary, Suspect Arrested

A young woman’s life was tragically cut short in Columbia, South Carolina, on May 3, when she was fatally shot during a home burglary. Logan Federico, a 22-year-old from Waxhaw, North Carolina, was visiting friends near the University of South Carolina when the incident occurred. Local police announced the details of the case during a press conference on May 5, painting a grim picture of the events that unfolded.

According to Columbia Police, Logan Federico had returned to a rental home on Cypress Street around 3 a.m. on Saturday morning after spending a night out with friends. Upon her return, she encountered Alexander Dickey, a 30-year-old man allegedly in the process of breaking into homes along the street. Police believe Dickey was targeting multiple residences, including the one where Federico was staying with her friends.

The encounter turned deadly when Dickey allegedly shot Federico, inflicting a fatal gunshot wound to the chest. Officials stated that she had no other apparent injuries, highlighting the sudden and violent nature of the attack. Columbia Police Chief Skip Holbrook emphasized the tragic randomness of the crime, stating, "Logan was a true victim. She was a helpless victim. She was not an intended target."

The events leading up to the shooting and the subsequent investigation revealed a series of crimes allegedly committed by Dickey. At approximately 11:14 a.m. on May 3, police received a 911 call reporting a deceased female on Cypress Street. This was followed by another call reporting a stolen vehicle from the same area.

Investigators believe that Dickey stole several items from homes on Cypress Street, including credit and debit cards. He then allegedly used the stolen vehicle to travel to a neighboring county, embarking on a "shopping spree," according to Chief Holbrook.

However, Dickey’s alleged crime spree was short-lived. The stolen vehicle eventually broke down, forcing him to have it towed to a friend’s home in Gaston, South Carolina. It was there that officers were able to track him down.

Upon the arrival of law enforcement at the Gaston residence, Dickey reportedly fled, initiating a pursuit. The following day, on May 4, he allegedly returned to the same Gaston home and broke in again.

As officers surrounded the house, the situation escalated dramatically. The home became engulfed in flames, and Dickey was eventually extracted through a window and taken into custody, as recounted by Chief Holbrook.

Dickey now faces a multitude of charges related to the incidents, including murder, burglary, and grand larceny. Chief Holbrook revealed that the suspect has an extensive criminal history, characterizing him as "a true convict" who "deserves to be in jail for the rest of his life."

The press conference also provided an opportunity for Logan Federico’s father, Stephen Federico, to speak about his daughter. He poignantly described her as "a strong, fun, loving individual."

Stephen Federico expressed the deep pain of a father who could not protect his child, saying, "I am Logan Haley Federico’s father, better known as Dad, or her hero. Unfortunately, that day, I could not be her hero."

He shared personal details about Logan, revealing her passion for life and her aspirations. He mentioned that she was "the biggest Taylor Swift fan that I’ve ever seen," recalling a cherished memory of attending one of Swift’s concerts together. He also stated that she was studying to become a teacher and had a deep love for children of all ages.

Despite the immense grief, Stephen Federico delivered a powerful message to Dickey, the man accused of taking his daughter’s life. "The message I want to send to Dickey, who took my daughter’s life – this is from her: You can’t kill my spirit. You might be able to kill my body, but you cannot kill my love that my family and friends shared with me," he said. His words resonated with strength and resilience, a testament to the enduring impact Logan had on those around her.

The loss of Logan Federico has sent shockwaves through the community, highlighting the vulnerability of individuals to random acts of violence. The case also underscores the importance of community safety and the need for effective law enforcement to apprehend and prosecute those who commit such heinous crimes.

The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and authorities are continuing to gather evidence and piece together the full sequence of events. The charges against Alexander Dickey are a significant step toward holding him accountable for his alleged actions.

As the legal process unfolds, the community mourns the loss of a bright young woman whose life was tragically cut short. Logan Federico’s memory will undoubtedly live on through her family, friends, and the countless lives she touched. Her story serves as a reminder of the preciousness of life and the importance of striving for a safer and more just society.

The tragedy has also sparked conversations about crime prevention and neighborhood security in the area surrounding the University of South Carolina. Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to law enforcement. Local authorities are working to increase patrols and implement other measures to enhance safety in the community.