Safety spotlight shines on Charlotte with federal committee meeting

CHARLOTTE, NC — A government spotlight shined on Charlotte Monday. Lawmakers spent several hours hearing passionate pleas from family members of violent crime victims.

“It doesn’t have to be this way. Bad leaders let this happen, weak leaders,” said New Jersey congressman, Jeff Van Drew.

Strong words during the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Oversight hearing. Both from politicians and families of violent crime victims.

“Bang! Dead. Gone. Why? Because Alexander Devonte Dickey, who was arrested 39 g****** times, 25 felonies, was on the street,” said Stephen Federico.

Federico, a Waxhaw resident, is the father of Logan Federico. She was killed during a home invasion in Columbia, SC. Alexander Dickey, a repeat convicted offender, is charged with her murder.

The murder of Iryna Zarutska on the light rail in South End in August is a big part of why lawmakers made their way to Charlotte. The committee made previous stops in Philadelphia, New York City, and D.C. hearing from victims.

Mia Alderman is the grandmother of Mary Collins. A 20-year-old Charlotte woman stabbed to death more than 130 times.

“Mary was sadistically tortured. She was tortured. She was brutally murdered in Charlotte, North Carolina, in 2020,” said Collins.

Two men and two woman were arrested, one pleaded guilty and is serving prison time, the other three still have not gone to trial.

“Our families now endured more than five years of waiting and still her case has not gone to trial. Five years is not justice. Five years is torment,” explained Collins.

North Carolina congressman, Mark Harris, announced at Monday’s meeting he plans on introducing two bills, one would prevent cashless bail.

“Lenient bail policies are not working in the city of Charlotte or cities across this nation. Criminals need to know that when they get arrested, they will not be immediately released on just an unsecured bond or written promise to appear,” said Harris.