On October 2nd, 2023, police responded to a call around 6 p.m. to the Dillons gas station near SE 29th St. This call was for 5-year-old Zoey Felix, who was found nearly lifeless. First responders attempted to save her life after she had been raped; however, Zoey was pronounced dead shortly after.

The details surrounding Zoey's life and death have devastated and disgusted our community.

What is known about Zoey's life is that her neighbors took care of her needs for food, clothing, and bathing. Those who witnessed the neglect and abuse went on to contact DCFS countless times.

A recent report shows that a welfare check was done at the residence of her mother Holly, where Zoey resided, on September 5th because they had received a report of a child living in a home without utilities. City of Topeka spokeswomen reported that when officers made contact with Zoey, she was in good spirits. Holly then told officers they weren't actually staying at that home. The officers turned in a report to DCFS, and later they determined all was well because she had complied with turning on the utilities. They closed the case shortly after. Less than a month later, Zoey is murdered.

This wasn't the first time there were concerns about Zoey's home. Neighbors have revealed that the home was filled with dog feces and would go long periods of time without heat, air conditioning, or running water.

Holly Felix, the mother of Zoey Felix, was charged on 11/18/22 with a felony count of aggravated battery under K.S.A. 21-5413(b)(2)(B) with a deadly weapon or in a manor whereby great harm, disfigurement, or death occurred. Court documents show the victim was a person under the initials Z.F. and the birthday listed as "(XX/XX/2018). Within the same incident, she was also charged with a DUI and aggravated endangering a child, among other counts.

Following this incident, a no-contact order was placed, but according to the Shawnee County Corrections director, Zoey was not removed from the home by DCF.

In just the past 2 years, police have responded to 23 calls about where Zoey resided.

The Deputy Director of the Shawnee County Department of Corrections also confirmed that Mickle Cherry was a previous resident at the home. It is unimaginable to think that there is a possibility that the rape and murder of Zoey were not a single incident.

While I could write hundreds of more details pertaining to the horror house and the events that took place there, we can all agree that these are all too many instances of ignoring Zoey's suffering.

Holly Felix put Zoey and other family members out of the home; this led to 5-year-old Zoey living in a homeless camp for 2 weeks before being murdered.

I am urging the elected official to acknowledge all the people involved and not just the man who did this to her.

As a community, we are calling for an investigation into the case workers evaluation in this case.

As a community, we are calling for an investigation into the judges that pertains to the CPS reports.

As a community, we are calling for an investigation into the judge who dismissed Zoey's aggravated assault.

As a community, we are urging that Governor Laura Kelly do her job and hold DCFS accountable.

As a community, we demand the DA bring forth charges against Holly Felix for child abuse and negligence.

We are asking for the secretary of DCFS, Laura Howard, to step down!

WE WANT ACCOUNTABILITY FOR ALL THOSE WHO KNEW AND FAILED ZOEY!

The time to act is now!

Ignoring this issue will continue the pain and suffering of other Kansas children and the deaths of many more innocent children like Zoey.