A Topeka, Kansas, man faces charges of capital murder, first-degree murder, and rape in the heartbreaking death of 5-year-old Zoey Felix at a homeless camp.
Felix’s mother, Holly Jo Felix, had kicked the child, her teenage sister, and her father out of their run-down house, just two weeks before Zoey’s brutal murder.
Neighbors told KCTV that the Kansas Department for Children & Families (DCF) had received multiple complaints regarding Zoey’s living arrangement prior to her time at the homeless camp.
(Video: YouTube)
“Zoey has been on her own the entire time,” neighbor Sharon Williams told the outlet.
In early September, Topeka police conducted a wellness check on Zoey — one of many — and discovered that the home was without power.
“Officers met with the child who was in good spirits and apparent health,” the police report read. “The child was left in the care of their parent, per the custodial agreement. Officers then left the scene.”
While it is unclear why Zoey was living in a tent at the time of her murder when her mother was still residing in the house, her sister, Kaitlyn, told KCTV in a message that Zoey was loved and cared for.
“She was a very beautiful girl… she loved when I read books to her,” Kaitlyn said. “She hated the dark. She loved squish mellows. Her smile could light up the darkest room. She’s just something truly special.. it breaks my heart to know my sweet baby is gone like this.”
On Monday evening, officers responded to a medical call at a Topeka gas station. When they arrived, fire personnel were already trying desperately to save Zoey’s life, however, she was later pronounced dead at a local hospital.
Shawnee County District Attorney Michael Kagay said Zoey’s suspected killer, Mickel Cherry, likely knew Zoey.
“I believe they were acquainted,” Kagay told KCTV. “Other than that, I don’t believe there is a relationship.”
Neighbors confirmed to the outlet that they had seen Cherry in the neighborhood with the little girl.
Kagay praised Topeka police.
“I think the investigation into the murder [and] rape of this 5-year-old girl is complete,” he said. “Topeka Police Department did an excellent job of allocating every possible resource.”
But Kansas Statehouse lawmakers are looking to DCF for more answers. According to them, DCF needs to “do more.”
“We have to do more,” Sen. Oletha Faust-Goudeau, Wichita (D) told KSNT. “This is, this is unacceptable.”
(Video: YouTube)
Sen. Molly Baumgardner, (R) Louisburg, agreed.
“We really need a deep dive on why is the system failing,” she said.
The lawmakers attended a closed-session meeting with DCF on Wednesday. DCF Secretary Laura Howard said she was unable to comment on the situation.
“I actually do not have the legal ability to say anything in a public setting until certain additional things happen in making a finding of abuse or neglect,” she said.
“Governor Laura Kelly has not commented on this situation,” KSNT reports.
“Zoey did not deserve to be in anybody’s woods,” Williams, the little girl’s neighbor, told KSNT. “This is her home right here. She has one, two, three, four, five people that would do anything for her.”
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Melissa Fine is the former executive editor of Casino Player, Strictly Slots, and Poker
Digest magazines. She is a UCLA graduate, news junkie, and dedicated Stargate SG-
1 fan. Melissa currently lives with her dog and two cats in a tiny town in the Sierra
Nevada foothills.
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