Democrat Rep Forced To Apologize After Mixing Up Murder Victims In Front Of Grieving Father

Democratic North Carolina Rep. Deborah Ross apologized after mistakenly confusing two murder victims in front of a grieving father.

Logan Federico, a 22-year-old, was shot and killed during a May 3 home invasion while visiting friends in Columbia, South Carolina, a city under Democratic leadership, according to a WIS10 report. Her picture was displayed in front of her father, Steve Federico, at a House Judiciary Committee field hearing titled “Victims of Violent Crime” in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Monday where Ross mistakenly identified Federico as Iryna Zarutska, the dead 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee.

The man charged in Federico’s murder, 30-year-old Alexander Dickey, is alleged to have been on a crime spree that night. He stole a vehicle before breaking into a home, taking a wallet, car keys and a gun, investigators said. Dickey then allegedly entered the neighboring home where he shot Federico. (RELATED: Democratic Governor Faced With Big Decision On Crime Bill Named After Charlotte Stabbing Victim)

Steve Federico, the father of Logan Federico, was a witness at the field hearing when Ross mistakenly pointed to a photo of his daughter, identifying it as a photo of Zarutska.

Ross expressed her condolences to Zarutska’s family, stating her murder was “unimaginable and unconscionable” and noting her family’s request to not recall her based on her last moments but rather as the “vibrant and exceptionally kind person she was.” Ross then pointed to a picture of Logan Federico, stating, “I’m thrilled we have a picture of her in that state right in front of us.”

As Ross criticized lawmakers’ efforts to prevent crime and improve mental health care prior to the hearing, Steve Federico abruptly interrupted, emphasizing, “This is my daughter, okay? This is Logan Federico.”

This is Logan Federico.

She was murdered in her sleep by a career criminal.

We won’t forget you. https://t.co/0sshyRKElw pic.twitter.com/ttV9yTiuXv

— Rep. Mark Harris (@RepMarkHarrisNC) September 29, 2025

“I am so sorry,” Ross repeatedly said after the father’s outburst.

“Thank you so much for bringing that … Thank you. Thank you sir. I am so sorry for you,” she continued.

“How dare you not know her,” Steve Federico said.

Ross paused, looked directly at Federico and responded. “So we should have been doing things to prevent Logan’s death and Iryna’s death, and I am so sorry,” she said.

Republican North Carolina Rep. Mark Harris told the Daily Caller that the incident between Ross and Federico further underscored the “tragic truth” about the issue of violent crime.

“The tragic truth revealed today is that Iryna is just one of countless victims of violent crime. The fact my North Carolina Democrat colleague mixed up our witness Steve Federico’s daughter Logan with Iryna says it all: there are too many victims of pro-crime Democrat policies for them to keep track! This sad exchange today just further exposes Democrats’ character.”

A spokesperson for the congressman told the Caller that Steve Federico is his constituent.

The alleged attack on Federico was not Dickey’s first encounter with the law, according to WIS10. He was arrested in August 2014 and charged with two counts of first-degree burglary — a crime that carries a minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum of life behind bars. (RELATED: ‘Charlotte, You Have A Problem’: Reps Excoriate Judge In Train Murder Case)

While still held in October, Dickey was served warrants for a charge of third first-degree burglary. The following month, he pleaded guilty to second-degree non-violent burglary and received a 10-year sentence suspended amid probation.

@RepMarkHarrisNC speaking at the House Judiciary Committee field hearing in Charlotte, North Carolina on examining crime in Democrat-run cities.

Harris touching on the man charged in Iryna Zarutska murder, Decarlos Brown Jr.’s long criminal history and most recent encounter… https://t.co/3WyS1xUsm4

— Ashley Brasfield (@BrasfieldAshley) September 29, 2025

Dickey faced the other two burglary charges by March 2015, leading to one being dropped. For the other, he pleaded guilty to third-degree burglary. (RELATED: ‘I Got That White Girl’: Charlotte Train Stabbing Suspect Offered Shocking Admission Following Brutal Murder)

In 2023, Dickey again pleaded guilty to third-degree burglary, this time for a second offense, after originally facing a violent second-degree burglary charge. Eleventh Circuit Solicitor Rick Hubbard said his office was unaware of Dickey’s prior burglary history during the 2023 prosecution.

DeCarlos Brown, 34, allegedly stabbed and killed Zarutska on Aug. 22 on a light rail in Charlotte.