A 25-year-old homeless man named Mickel Cherry has been charged with the rape and killing of 5-year-old Zoey Felix in Topeka, Kansas. Despite efforts by firefighters to save her life in a gas station parking lot, Zoey tragically passed away. Cherry is facing charges of capital murder, first-degree murder, and rape, with the possibility of the death penalty. He is currently being held in jail on a $2 million bond, and his next court appearance is yet to be determined.

Shawnee County District Attorney Michael Kagay stated that a decision on seeking a death sentence will be made after a preliminary hearing to determine if Cherry will stand trial, following the standard procedure in capital cases. Mark Manna from the Kansas Death Penalty Defense Unit confirmed that his office will represent Cherry, but declined to provide further comment. Cherry's family has not responded to messages from authorities.

The details surrounding Zoey's death have not been released by authorities, but former neighbors believe that she, her father, and Cherry had been living in a grove of trees on a wooded lot near the gas station. It is believed that she was carried from this wooded area to the gas station, although the police have not confirmed these details. Upon arriving at the gas station, Topeka police joined fire crews in their attempts to save Zoey's life, but she was ultimately pronounced dead. A medical examination revealed injuries consistent with sexual assault.

When asked about the possibility of charging other individuals, Kagay stated that he is willing to consider any actionable investigations brought to him, but at present, there are no known investigations involving other individuals. Deputy Director of the Shawnee County Department of Corrections, Timothy Phelps, confirmed that Cherry used to live at the same address as Zoey, but was homeless at the time of his arrest. Cherry has no criminal record in Kansas, but he does have a misdemeanor criminal trespass conviction in Amarillo, Texas.

Neighbors had previously raised concerns about Zoey's family home, which lacked electricity. They had reported the situation to the police and child welfare, but no further details were provided regarding the response to these concerns. The city attempted to condemn the house, but backed off when the utilities were restored. By that time, everyone except the mother had moved out of the house. In the vicinity of the gas station, where fire crews tried to revive Zoey, a makeshift memorial of flowers, balloons, and toys has been set up.

Witnesses and neighbors described Zoey as a curious and outgoing girl, always eager to ask questions and seek answers. Her tragic death has left the community in shock and mourning. The investigation into the murder and rape of Zoey Felix is still ongoing, and additional information may be revealed as the case progresses.