Man admits to murdering 5-year-old girl in Kansas homeless camp

In October 2023, in Topeka, Kansas, a tragic case unfolded involving the death of 5-year-old Zoey Felix, who was living in a homeless camp with her father. Mickel Cherry, a 26-year-old man residing in the makeshift camp, admitted to suffocating Zoey with a pillow during a period when her father was working at a nearby gas station. This plea occurred after a lengthy investigation into the circumstances surrounding the child’s environment. Following multiple investigations into her family, child welfare advocates criticized the failure to remove Zoey from a potentially dangerous situation despite numerous calls to authorities regarding her welfare. As the case progressed in Shawnee County District Court, Cherry pleaded guilty not only to first-degree murder but also to rape, which highlighted the horrific conditions under which Zoey and her family lived. District Attorney Mike Kagay noted that evidence of Cherry’s intellectual disability would prevent him from facing the death penalty, as state and federal court decisions prohibit executing individuals with such disabilities. Instead, Cherry now faces a life sentence without the possibility of parole for at least 25 years. The court proceedings elicited deep emotional reactions, particularly from those close to Zoey and her family. Aimee Slusser, who described herself as a mentor to the girl, expressed profound grief and disbelief over the full implications of the charges against Cherry, stating that no sentence could provide justice for the loss of a young life. The girl’s father was present during the proceedings but chose not to comment afterward. This tragic incident sparked renewed scrutiny of child welfare policies in Kansas, with many questioning why Zoey was not removed from an abusive and neglectful environment despite numerous investigations. In light of the circumstances surrounding Felix's case, significant concern arose about the efficacy of Kansas' child welfare department, which had reportedly investigated her family five times within 13 months prior to her death. Allegations of neglect and substance abuse were prevalent, particularly against her mother, who had faced legal troubles, including a driving under the influence charge with Zoey in the vehicle. Throughout this time, community members expressed their concerns, stating that they witnessed the girl wandering alone, dirty, and hungry, which raised alarms about her safety and well-being on multiple occasions.