South Carolina AG Pushes for Death Penalty in College Student’s Murder Case
In a dramatic turn of events unfolding in South Carolina, Attorney General Alan Wilson is calling for the ultimate punishment in the case of slain college student Logan Hailey Federico. The 22-year-old was fatally shot during a home invasion in Columbia back in May, and now Wilson is publicly pressuring local prosecutor Byron Gipson to pursue capital punishment against the accused, 30-year-old Alexander Devonte Dickey. This high-profile disagreement between two of the state’s top law enforcement officials has captured public attention, with Federico’s grieving father expressing strong support for the attorney general’s position while highlighting deep frustrations with the criminal justice system that allowed the alleged perpetrator to remain on the streets despite dozens of prior arrests.
Attorney General Wilson’s letter to Fifth Circuit Solicitor Gipson emphasized what he described as “clear statutory aggravating factors” that would justify pursuing the death penalty, specifically noting that the murder occurred during a burglary. Wilson didn’t stop there, pointing to Dickey’s extensive criminal history spanning more than a decade as further justification for seeking capital punishment. “His past history, as well as his current violent crime charges show an appropriate candidate for the ultimate punishment,” Wilson wrote in his September 30 letter. To underscore the seriousness of his position, Wilson set an October 10 deadline for Gipson to declare his intentions, adding that if the solicitor was “unable to proceed,” the attorney general’s office stood ready to take over the prosecution – an unusual and forceful intervention in a local case.
The response from Solicitor Gipson was swift and equally forceful. In his October 1 reply, Gipson characterized Wilson’s deadline as “reckless, irresponsible and unethical,” taking particular issue with the timing of the demand. “To make such a determination a mere four months into the case, without investing the due diligence necessary to conduct a thorough analysis of all facets of the evidence, would set a dangerous precedent,” Gipson wrote. The solicitor emphasized that key forensic evidence remains pending in the case, suggesting that Wilson’s rush to judgment could potentially compromise the integrity of the legal process. Gipson also pushed back on Wilson’s characterization of Dickey’s criminal history, noting that most of the accused’s 40 prior arrests occurred outside his jurisdiction, making them the responsibility of other prosecutorial agencies.
For Stephen Federico, Logan’s father, the attorney general’s intervention represents a welcome development in his quest for justice. “I think it’s absolutely fantastic,” Federico told Fox News Digital, adding, “Alan Wilson is willing to do the right thing and what is justice for Logan.” However, Federico expressed skepticism about Gipson’s willingness to pursue the death penalty regardless of the evidence, claiming the solicitor has never sought capital punishment in any of his murder trials. “There’s no reason that I would think any differently on this one,” Federico stated, revealing the deep distrust some victims’ families feel toward prosecutors they perceive as insufficiently tough on violent crime. Federico has previously criticized what he calls “soft on crime” policies that allowed Dickey to remain free despite his lengthy criminal record.
This case illustrates the complex and often contentious dynamics at play in high-profile murder prosecutions, particularly those involving the death penalty. Wilson’s unusual step of publicly pressuring a local prosecutor and threatening to take over the case highlights the political dimensions of criminal justice in America, where elected officials often face competing pressures from various constituencies with different views on appropriate punishment. For prosecutors like Gipson, the decision to seek the death penalty involves numerous considerations beyond public opinion, including the strength of evidence, the likelihood of securing a conviction that will withstand appeals, and the resources required for a capital case. His insistence on waiting for all forensic evidence reflects the caution many prosecutors exercise when facing the irreversible nature of capital punishment.
Meanwhile, at the center of this legal and political battle is the memory of Logan Hailey Federico, whose life was cut tragically short. While the legal process unfolds with its procedural arguments and jurisdictional disputes, her family continues to grieve and advocate for what they see as appropriate justice. Stephen Federico’s passionate support for the death penalty in this case represents not just his personal desire for retribution, but also his belief in a criminal justice system that delivers consequences proportionate to the most serious crimes. As the October 10 deadline approaches, all eyes will be on Solicitor Gipson’s decision, which will determine not only the future course of this specific prosecution but potentially signal broader approaches to violent crime in South Carolina and beyond.
