Topeka Community Plans March Over ‘Problems’ That Led to Zoey Felix Rape and Murder

Community members in Topeka, Kansas, plan to march on Saturday to call for statewide change following the alleged rape and murder of 5-year-old Zoey Felix.

Felix, who was found near a homeless encampment in Topeka on Monday, was allegedly kicked out of her home by her mother Holly Jo Felix, 36, weeks before her death. Child Protective Services had visited the home, which neighbors said frequently had no heating, AC, or running water, but allowed the young girl to stay.

Mickel W. Cherry, 25, who is believed to have lived with Felix for some time, was arrested on suspicion of her murder and rape on Tuesday.

"We CANNOT allow this horrid act to just be another statistic. For too long, the State of Kansas, and the cities within it, have done nothing to confront the growing problem of homelessness, a failing foster care system, and a steadily rising crime rate (including murder)," reads a description of the planned event on Facebook.

The aim of the protest is to call upon Gov. Laura Kelly to hold a special session "to address the problems" that led to Felix's death.

Those who lived nearby told Kansas City's KCTV they knew Zoey wasn't being properly cared for and offered the girl food and clothes when they could.

“Zoey has been on her own the entire time,” neighbor Sharon Williams told the outlet.

The organizer of the protest wrote that Felix's death was emblematic of a larger problem in the state and emphasized that the protest aims to be non-partisan and peaceful.