A 25-year-old man from Kansas was arrested on Tuesday, October 3, in connection with the death of a 5-year-old girl identified as Zoey Felix. Mickel W. Cherry of Topeka now faces charges and is detained at the Shawnee County Jail.
Cherry is charged with first-degree murder and rape. Currently, his bail is set at $2 million according to online jail records. He is scheduled for a court appearance on December 21.
Topeka Police responded to a call about a medical emergency at a local gas station on Monday around 6 p.m. There, they encountered Topeka Fire Department first responders aiding the young girl.
Zoey was rushed to a nearby hospital where she was later pronounced dead. The specific cause of her death remains unreleased by officials.
Initial investigations by the Topeka Police Department deemed the death suspicious. Cherry soon emerged as a person of interest and was detained shortly thereafter. It is noteworthy that Cherry was acquainted with the victim.
Information reveals that Cherry, Zoey, and some of her family members were living in a homeless camp. Nearby residents mentioned that Zoey, before staying at the camp, lived in a house without utilities. She was frequently seen alone on the streets, seeking food and shelter from neighbors. Following conflicts at home, Zoey, her father, half-sister, and Cherry, who had been living with them, moved to the homeless camp. Zoey’s mother was on probation for DUI and aggravated battery.
