Father of Murdered Daughter Criticizes Lawmaker’s Mistake

Steve Federico, whose 22-year-old daughter Logan was brutally murdered, has accused North Carolina Rep. Deborah Ross of mistaking his daughter for another victim during a segment on Fox News’ Ingraham Angle. This incident unfolded on Monday, following a hearing by the House Judiciary Committee.

Ross appeared to confuse Logan with Irina Zaratzka while speaking. After Federico pointed out the error, she offered an apology. Clips from the hearing were later aired, showcasing what Federico described as the “carelessness and heartlessness” of her remarks.

“It was humiliating. I mean, I did my homework before going to the meeting. I would have known exactly who I was talking to,” Federico stated. “The focus was supposed to be on violence against innocent people, yet she didn’t even know who Logan was. Her photos were right there.”

He added, “They’re blonde and beautiful, but I don’t know why you’d confuse them. It was just a bit embarrassing and hurtful.”

During the hearing titled “Victims of Violent Crimes,” Federico was present as a witness to share his story with lawmakers. When Ross expressed condolences to Zaratzka’s family while pointing to a photo of Logan, she said, “We are excited to see a photo of her in that state right in front of us.” In response, Federico asserted, “This is my daughter, OK? This is Logan Federico.”

Ingraham, visibly moved, asked Federico how he copes with his loss. He responded that he feels he must be Logan’s voice. “I don’t have anyone fighting for her justice. Someone has to fight for the innocent people left there. We have to make some dramatic changes here. People like Alexander Dickie should not be on the streets,” he emphasized.

Federico insisted, “There’s no reasonable argument that can explain why he was on the street. They just can’t provide one. The answer is zero.”

Logan was shot and killed in May while visiting a friend at the University of South Carolina in Columbia. Authorities arrested 30-year-old Alexander Dickie, who allegedly had nearly 40 prior arrests across various North Carolina counties, in connection with her murder.

This tragedy follows the brutal killing of Ukrainian refugee Irina Zaratzka on a Charlotte Light Rail train just months earlier.