Tragedy Strikes in Topeka: Homeless Man Charged with Murder and Rape of 5-Year-Old

In a heart-wrenching incident in Topeka, Kansas, a 25-year-old homeless man, Mickel Cherry, now faces charges of murder and rape in connection with the tragic death of 5-year-old Zoey Felix. This chilling event has left the community in shock.

Mickel Cherry currently resides behind bars in a Topeka jail, his bail set at $2 million. As of now, his next court appearance remains unscheduled, leaving many awaiting justice for this terrible crime.

While rumors circulate that Zoey, Cherry, and Zoey’s father may have been residing together, law enforcement has not officially confirmed these claims, adding to the mystery surrounding this disturbing case.

The charges against Mickel Cherry include capital murder, first-degree murder, and rape, all stemming from the tragic loss of young Zoey Felix. Legal representation for Cherry is expected to be provided by the Kansas Death Penalty Defense Unit, though no further details have been released. Cherry’s family has chosen to remain silent during this trying time.

A capital murder charge leaves the door open for prosecutors to seek the death penalty; however, Shawnee County prosecutor Michael Kagay has not provided any public comment regarding his intentions.

According to Kagay, Topeka police responded swiftly to a gas station where firefighters were desperately trying to save Zoey’s life. Tragically, she was later pronounced dead. A medical examination at the hospital indicated injuries consistent with sexual assault, deepening the sorrow of this case.

While the cause of Zoey’s death remains undisclosed by authorities, Timothy Phelps, the deputy director of the Shawnee County Department of Corrections, confirmed that Cherry had previously lived at the same address as Zoey. However, at the time of his arrest, Cherry was homeless.

It is important to note that Cherry has no previous criminal record in Kansas, though he does have a misdemeanor criminal trespass conviction in Amarillo, Texas.

Concerns about the living conditions of Zoey’s family home were raised by neighbors, who reported the lack of electricity. Their worry prompted multiple calls to the police and child welfare.

In September, Topeka police responded to three calls related to the home: the first on September 5 for a welfare check due to the absence of electricity and two domestic disturbance calls on the afternoon and evening of September 19. The details of these two calls have not been disclosed by the police.

During the initial call, officers confirmed the absence of electricity and noted that the child was not staying there. Police met with the child, observing that she was in good spirits, but still filed a report with child welfare and property officials.

The city initiated condemnation proceedings against the house but relented when the utilities were restored. Neighbors reported that by the end of the month, everyone had vacated the house except for the mother.

In the vicinity of the house, in a wooded area not far from a local grocery store, a makeshift shelter with a tent and tarp had been set up, about a football field’s distance from the gas station where efforts to save Zoey had unfolded. Neighbors suspect that Zoey, Cherry, and Zoey’s father might have been residing there, though this has not been officially confirmed. Zoey’s father worked at the gas station; a coworker reported that he had taken time off, and the company has not responded to inquiries from the media.

The community has paid tribute to Zoey Felix with a touching memorial featuring flowers, balloons, heartfelt signs, and toys, serving as a poignant reminder of the bright young life lost to this tragic incident.