Who Is Zoey Felix? Kansas Girl, 5, Raped and Murdered in Homeless Camp

Outrage is growing over the death of Zoey Felix, a 5-year-old Kansas girl who officials say was raped and murdered at a homeless camp after her mother reportedly kicked her out of their Topeka home.

A family acquaintance, 25-year-old Mickel Cherry, has been charged with capital murder, first-degree murder and rape in connection with the little girl's death, according to court documents obtained by The Messenger.

It’s unclear if Cherry entered a plea to the charges. His defense attorney, Nicholas David, did not immediately respond to The Messenger's request for comment. Under Kansas state law, he could face the death penalty if convicted of capital murder.

In the meantime, a community is grieving — and angry — for a little girl whose death should have been prevented.

"She had so much personality and sass," a neighbor wrote in a tribute to Zoey. "She will forever be missed and most certainly never forgotten."

Who Was Zoey Felix?

Zoey Felix was adored by neighbors in the 2200 block of S.E. Market Street in Topeka, Kansas.

Prior to relocating to a homeless camp with her father, Ezequiel Felix-Guerrero, her half sister and her alleged killer, residents claimed Zoey as their own — a testimony to their apparent combined efforts to keep the girl clean, fed and clothed.

“She needed love and so we gave it to her,” neighbor Sharon Williams told KSNT. “Everybody out here cared for her, so we called her our neighborhood daughter.”

Neighbors said the 5-year-old was not enrolled in school and was often seen roaming the streets alone, away from home, where there was often no electricity or running water.

"Everybody on the block took care of Zoey," Sheryl Tyree told The Topeka  Capital-Journal. "Everybody loved Zoey, except her parents."

What Do We Know About Zoey's Mother Holly Jo Felix?

Zoey’s mother, Holly Jo Felix, had previous run-ins with police in Topeka.

In March, the 36-year-old mother of two pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated battery in connection with a November 2022 attack against a juvenile victim referred to as “Z.F.” with a birth year of 2018 — presumably Zoey — according to court documents obtained by The Messenger.

She also pleaded guilty to driving under the influence with a child in the vehicle.

In the same case, four other charges, including aggravated endangering of a child, were dismissed, court records indicate.

In June, Felix was sentenced to 18 months probation in connection with the incident, documents state.

Two to three weeks before Zoey’s alleged murder, neighbors claim Felix threw her family and Cherry out of their house, leading them to seek refuge at a nearby homeless camp.

Felix declined The Messenger’s request for comment.

Was Kansas Child Services Involved in Zoey Felix's Case?

Neighbors said several complaints regarding Zoey’s alleged neglect were made to police.

In the past two years, officers were called to the Felix home 23 times, The Messenger previously reported.

Police last responded to the home in September, according to KCTV-TV. 

“Officers met with the child who was in good spirits and apparent health,” a police report stated, per the outlet.

Despite the lack of electricity in the house, Zoey was not removed.

“I reported it,” neighbor Sharon Williams said. “I’m sure we all have reported it several times, but nothing was ever done that I’m aware of.”

The Kansas Department of Children and Families (DCF) is now facing backlash over accusations it failed Zoey despite several cries for help from the community before her subsequent alleged murder.

“Tuesday morning, law enforcement notified DCF about the death of Zoey Felix, a 5-year-old girl, that occurred during the evening of Oct. 2. Our thoughts are with Zoey and all of those who loved and supported her,” DCF spokesperson Mike Deines said in a statement to The Messenger.

“The agency will work closely with law enforcement to investigate the incident.”

Who Is Zoey Felix's Accused Killer Mickel Cherry?

Zoey knew rape and murder suspect Mickel Cherry, according to police.

The pair were reportedly acquaintances who lived with each other at the Market Street home before both relocated to a nearby homeless camp with Zoey’s father and teenage sister.

Court documents refer to Cherry as an “off-grid person." He does not appear to have a prior criminal record in Kansas.

He's been charged with capital murder, first-degree murder and rape.

Cherry will appear in court Oct. 12.

How Has the Community Responded to Zoey Felix's Murder?

Zoey’s death has left loved ones and neighbors shaken and outraged.

“I took Zoey on several occasions,” resident Aimee Slusser, who often spent time with Zoey and was reportedly among the several individuals who placed multiple calls to police and DCF, told KSNT.

“I’ve bought her clothing. Me and my mom took her on some outings. We purchased her some toys," Slusser continued. "Tried to just show her she was loved and that she was cared for and that there’s a better life out there than what she was being given.”

“I’m trying not to cry,” another neighbor, Shaniqua Bradley, told KCTV. “I’ve honestly been sick. It’s disgusting.”

During a closed session meeting with the DCF Wednesday regarding Zoey's death, Sen. Oletha Faust-Goudeau said,

“We have to do more," Kansas State Sen. Oletha Faust-Goudeau said at a closed session meeting with DCF officials on Wednesday. "This is unacceptable."

A march is planned Saturday to call for statewide change following Zoey's rape and murder.

"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.