The father of Logan Federico, the 22-year-old college student killed during a home break-in in Columbia, South Carolina, is calling on federal lawmakers to pass legislation creating a public database tracking repeat violent offenders.
Stephen Federico is pushing for what’s called “Logan’s Law,” which would require a public registry of repeat violent offenders, mandate communication across county and state lines, and hold prosecutors accountable in cases involving habitual criminals.
The proposal is aimed at closing gaps in the justice system that allowed Alexander Dickey, the man accused of killing Federico, to remain free despite a long criminal history.
“This was preventable. And d—–, I’m not going to save just one more life,” Federico said Thursday during a South Carolina roundtable on crime reduction attended by U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche. “I’m going to save thousands.”
Federico drew a comparison between failures in the criminal justice system and gaps in immigration enforcement.
“We are fighting 15 million that crossed our borders — some horrific criminals, some not,” he said. “Now we’re also fighting the constant felon. How are we supposed to win without Logan’s Law?”
Legislation Still Awaiting a Floor Vote
Logan’s Law was introduced by U.S. Rep. Russell Fry, R-S.C., and the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C. It has not yet come to a formal vote in either the House or the Senate.
“Common sense works. Common sense is easy,” Fry said, likening the proposed registry to an existing one. “We have a sexual abuse registry that is publicly searchable. This is for violent crimes. It’s the same concept.”
Attorney General Blanche called for swift action from lawmakers.
“It took a tragedy to push it to the forefront. But that’s OK. I think the worst thing we could do is not act.”
Blanche said he expects the measure to draw support from both parties. “I don’t think it’s a controversial issue. … I know President Trump supports it,” he said.
What Happened to Logan Federico
Federico, a North Carolina college student, was staying with friends at a home in Richland County, South Carolina, on May 3, 2025, when Dickey allegedly broke in.
Columbia police said Dickey drove a stolen vehicle into the neighborhood, broke into one home to take car keys and a gun, then forced his way into the house where Federico was staying. Police say he stole credit cards inside and fatally shot Federico, who was awake during the break-in.
“He didn’t kill our daughter for a debit card,” Federico said. “She was the only one awake who could identify him. He killed a witness.”
Dickey’s criminal record dates back to 2013 and includes convictions for breaking and entering, burglary, grand larceny, strong-arm robbery, possession of a stolen vehicle and resisting arrest. Critics, including law enforcement officials, say he was repeatedly allowed to avoid long-term confinement.
“What we do as a society right now is make the criminal more important than the innocent,” Federico said, criticizing policies such as reduced sentencing and no-cash bail. “We have turned the page. We are the underdogs.”
You must be logged in to post a comment Login