Kansas: Evicted 5-Year-Old Girl Raped, Murdered While at Homeless Camp

A deeply disturbing incident has shaken the community in Kansas, as a 5-year-old girl, Zoey Felix, was tragically raped and murdered at a homeless camp in the woods, according to the NY Post.

Reports suggest that this tragic event occurred after a Kansas girl, Zoey, and other family members were reportedly evicted from their home by her mother.

Topeka Police Department reported that Zoey Felix was found at a gas station with life-threatening injuries on Monday, and she was immediately transported to a hospital.

Despite medical efforts, she sadly succumbed to her injuries.

Mickel W. Cherry, a 25-year-old individual, was arrested on Tuesday and has been charged with the heinous crimes of murder and rape of a victim less than 14 years old, as per the local news outlet WBIW.

He is currently held on a $2 million bond.

Neighbors in the area revealed that the suspect, Cherry, had once lived in the same house as Zoey, alongside her father and sister.

Mark Manna, from the Kansas Death Penalty Defense Unit, confirmed that his office would represent Cherry but refrained from providing further comments.

Cherry's family has not responded to inquiries.

While Cherry has no prior criminal record in Kansas, he does have a misdemeanor criminal trespass conviction in Amarillo, Texas.

Kansas Girl's Situation at Home Concerns Neighbors

Neighbors have expressed concerns regarding the Kansas girl's family living conditions, particularly the absence of electricity in their home. They reported the situation to the police and child welfare authorities, per Fox News.

Topeka police confirmed making three calls to the family's residence in September.

These calls included a welfare check on September 5 due to reports of no electricity in the home and two domestic disturbance calls on September 19, occurring just over an hour apart.

The police did not disclose details regarding the latter two calls.

City spokeswoman Gretchen Spiker noted that during the initial call, officers confirmed the absence of electricity and were informed that the child was not residing there.

Despite Zoey appearing in "good spirits," police reported the situation to child welfare and property officials.

The city had initiated the condemnation of the house, but this action was halted when utilities were restored. Neighbors claim that everyone except the mother had left the residence later that month.

Kansas Gir's Mother

Zoey's mother pleaded guilty in March to aggravated battery causing bodily harm with a deadly weapon to a child born in 2018, identified by the initials Z.F, according to court documents.

She was subsequently placed on 18 months of supervised probation for this conviction, HuffPost noted.

Neighbors described Zoey as a child often left unsupervised, yet community members tried their best to look after her.

They expressed their love for the Kansas girl, noting that she was a loving girl who played with other children in the area despite her less-than-ideal living conditions.

In a GoFundMe campaign to cover funeral expenses, Zoey's uncle described her as a "sweet, funny, and goofy little girl" with an infectious smile and laughter that brightened the world.

The Kansas Department for Children and Families has not responded to inquiries regarding this tragic case.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: Topeka man faces capital murder, rape charge for death of Zoey Felix - From KSN TV