22-Year-Old Woman Shot Dead During Suspected Home Invasion as Her Father Breaks Down: 'That Day, I Could Not Be Her Hero'

• Logan Federico, 22, has died after being fatally shot in a suspected home invasion over the weekend, authorities stated
• The victim, of Waxhaw, N.C., had been visiting friends at a rented property in South Carolina at the time of the killing
• The Columbia Police Department has identified the suspected shooter as Alexander Dickey, 30

The father of a 22-year-old woman shot dead during a suspected home invasion in South Carolina over the weekend is paying tribute to his beloved daughter.

Logan Federico, of Waxhaw, N.C., was discovered deceased on the morning of Saturday, May 3, after she was fatally shot in the chest while visiting friends at a rental home on Cypress Street.

“While Logan was visiting friends in Columbia, her life was senselessly taken. Our deepest condolences go out to the Federico family and all who knew and loved her. No words can ease the pain of their loss, but we stand with them in support and sorrow,” the Columbia Police Department (CPD) wrote in a Facebook post on Monday, May 5.

The victim’s manner of death has been ruled a homicide, the Richland County Coroner’s Office said during a press conference.

Police named the suspected shooter as Alexander Dickey, 30, in the conference, accusing him of committing multiple thefts and break-ins around the time of Federico’s killing.

Dickey allegedly entered a nearby house and stole several items, including a firearm and the keys to a vehicle, the CPD said during Monday’s press conference.

Police believe the suspect entered Federico’s room before shooting her and fleeing the scene in a stolen vehicle. He’s thought to have made purchases with stolen credit and debit cards across Lexington County, before his stolen vehicle broke down, police said.

Officers worked hard to track Dickey down, despite the severe weather conditions, and he was eventually taken into custody after another property was set on fire. Police extracted the suspect through a window, authorities said.

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Paying tribute to his beloved daughter at the press conference, Stephen Federico, told reporters, “I am Logan Haley Federico’s father, better known as ‘Dad,’ or her hero. Unfortunately, that day, I could not be her hero.” 

“My daughter, I cherished. She was a strong, fun-loving individual who did what she wanted to do and was spicy,” he continued, adding that Federico was a huge Taylor Swift fan.

“My daughter was working hard at school, working two jobs, to become a teacher. She loved and adored kids, children of all ages,” he shared. 

Federico’s father insisted, “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,’ ” before breaking down in tears.

Officials have issued warrants charging the suspect with murder, two counts of first-degree burglary, along with weapons possession and larceny charges, it was confirmed during the press conference.

Online Lexington County Sheriff’s Department inmate records stated Dickey was facing a burglary in the first degree charge and an arson in the second degree charge. He’s been denied bond.

The CPD didn’t immediately respond after being contacted by PEOPLE for additional information.