In a tragic case that has shocked the community, a 5-year-old Kansas girl named Zoey Felix was raped and killed, despite child welfare officials investigating her family multiple times in the 13 months leading up to the horrific incident. A report released by the state Department of Children and Families on Tuesday revealed that the agency had received allegations of neglect and drug use by Zoey's mother, but could not confirm them. Furthermore, the family repeatedly declined offers of help, exacerbating the situation.

The report indicated that in one instance, the agency did confirm that Zoey's mother was not properly supervising her. As a result, the girl was temporarily placed with her father, and no safety concerns were identified at that time. However, the family's refusal to accept assistance and their subsequent lack of cooperation hindered the agency's efforts to intervene effectively.

In late August, child welfare officials received new allegations of drug use and lack of utilities in Zoey's home. Shockingly, they made seven unsuccessful attempts to reach the family over the next month. Tragically, on October 2nd, Zoey died after fire crews were unable to resuscitate her at a nearby gas station. It is believed that Zoey and her father had been camping in a grove of trees on a vacant lot prior to her death.

Following the devastating incident, a 25-year-old homeless man named Mickel Cherry was arrested and charged with first-degree murder, rape, and capital murder. He could potentially face the death penalty. Authorities have not yet disclosed how Zoey died, leaving the community in shock and seeking answers.

Governor Laura Kelly expressed her deep sorrow over Zoey's death, calling it an "unacceptable tragedy." She vowed to push for legislation that would expedite the release of information in cases of child abuse or neglect resulting in death. Governor Kelly's administration had previously attempted to pass such a bill in 2021, but it did not succeed. Currently, the Department of Children and Families is limited in what information it can release until after the completion of the prosecution, which often takes more than a year.

Compounding the lack of information surrounding Zoey's case, a judge recently sealed the arrest affidavit used to support criminal charges against Mickel Cherry. Judge Christopher Turner justified his decision by stating that the release of the records could jeopardize the safety of witnesses or sources and potentially lead to the destruction of evidence. As a result, the community is left grappling with the tragedy while seeking justice for Zoey.

Cherry's attorney, Mark Manna, has chosen not to comment on the case. Meanwhile, Cherry's family has not responded to phone messages, and his Facebook friends have portrayed him as chronically homeless. Neighbors recount witnessing Zoey wandering the neighborhood dirty and hungry, with some reporting their concerns to child welfare authorities.

According to the summary from the Department of Children and Families, the first tip about Zoey was received on September 8, 2022, alleging poor living conditions and possible drug use in the presence of a child. The mother agreed to a drug test, which came back negative. The agency's summary also revealed that Zoey's mother was working with court services at the time, as she had already been charged with domestic battery against her husband and teenage daughter.

Subsequent complaints were made to the agency, including one on November 8, 2002, regarding an unsupervised child. Just six days earlier, Zoey's mother had called the police to report Zoey missing. Fortunately, Zoey was found unharmed shortly after. However, the DCF summary did not reference Zoey's disappearance, leaving it unclear if it prompted the complaint. The agency found the claim to be unsubstantiated, and once again, the family declined offers of help.

In November of that year, Zoey's mother was arrested for driving under the influence after crashing her car near a bar. Zoey was in the front seat at the time. Police reports revealed that the mother was intoxicated and uncooperative during the arrest. However, welfare workers left Zoey in her father's care, as he was living with his girlfriend at the time. Zoey's mother was subsequently jailed and later pleaded guilty to felony aggravated battery and driving under the influence.

The family's struggles continued, with Zoey's father being evicted from his apartment in May. Another tip received by the agency that same month alleged a lack of utilities in Zoey's mother's home. However, after investigation, the agency deemed the home to be livable, with utilities, food, and no signs of drug use. Once again, the family declined services offered by the agency.

On August 29, another complaint was made, alleging drug use and no utilities in the home. The agency's attempts to contact the family in September were unsuccessful. It was during this time that police visited the home twice, but Zoey's father claimed that she was not living there. It remains unclear where Zoey, her sister, her father, and Mickel Cherry went after this encounter, but neighbors reported that they were living in a makeshift camp.

Laura Howard, the top administrator for the Department for Children and Families, has promised a thorough investigation into the agency's handling of Zoey's case. The tragic death of Zoey Felix has highlighted the need for improved child welfare protocols and the urgency of releasing information promptly in cases involving child abuse or neglect resulting in death.