On Tuesday, October 3, a 25-year-old Topeka man, Mickel W. Cherry, was arrested concerning the death of five-year-old Zoey Felix. He is now being held at the Shawnee County Jail.
The authorities have charged Cherry with first-degree murder and rape. He remains in custody with a $2 million bond. His next court date is set for December 21.
A medical emergency call on Monday led Topeka Police to a gas station around 6 p.m. At the scene, Topeka Fire Department personnel were attending to the child.
Subsequently, she was taken to a hospital where she was declared dead. The cause of death remains undisclosed.
The Topeka Police Department highlighted the suspicious nature of Zoey’s death during their initial findings. Consequently, Cherry was identified and arrested. It’s reported that he was known to Zoey and her family.
Further details indicate that Cherry lived in a homeless camp with Zoey and some members of her family. Previous neighbors of Zoey stated she once lived in a house without utilities. Often, she would be seen in the streets, dirty, seeking assistance and food. Recent events caused Zoey, her father, half-sister, and Cherry to move to the homeless camp after conflicts at their previous residence. Zoey’s mother had legal troubles related to DUI and aggravated battery.
