Tragically, a young Kansas girl, homeless and living in the woods in a homeless camp, was sexually assaulted and killed, reports Daily Mail. According to reports, the girl was thrown out of her home by her mother. Mickel Wayne Cherry, 25, has been charged with first-degree murder and rape in the tragic death of Zoey Felix, 5.

Zoey was discovered with life-threatening injuries at a gas station and was later pronounced dead at the hospital.

Prior to her tragic death, neighbors had reported neglect and concern to the police about her living situation. Shaniqua Bradley expressed disgust to KCTV, and Sharon Williams revealed that Zoey has been on her own for a while. 

Williams said, “I reported it. I’m sure we all have reported it several times, but nothing was ever done that I’m aware of.”

Topeka police had visited the girl’s home multiple times, including a recent welfare check in back in September, where they found no electricity. According to Williams, neighboring families frequently provided food and clothing for the girl, who would ask if “she could stay with them.”  

Sheryl Tyree revealed “Everybody on the block took care of Zoe…. Everybody loved Zoey, except her parents.”

Zoey’s living condition was erratic

She has supposedly been residing in with Cherry in the ‘deplorable’ residence, As reported by the Topeka Capital-Journal

Zoey’s mother, Holly Jo Felix, 36, who has a criminal record, allegedly kicked her and other people out of the residence, leading them to a homeless camp. Reports added that Felix was on probation at the time of Zoey’s demise. Neighbors reported multiple calls to the Kansas Department for Children due to unsanitary conditions, however, no action was taken, reported the Captial-Journal. Officials say they visited the home three times back in September, which included one welfare check, and two domestic reports.

According to city spokeswoman Gretchen Spiker, officers confirmed no electricity and that the childdidn’t live there during the first call. Officials reported the situation to child welfare and property officials despite the child appearing to be in “good spirits.” The house was almost “condemned,” however, the city reversed its decision when utilities were restored. Neighbors mentioned that everyone except the mother had already left.

Topeka police responded urgently to a gas station where fire crews were trying to save Zoey’s life, according to Kagay. Sadly, she was pronounced dead, and a hospital examination indicated injuries revealed sexual assault.

Timothy Phelps, Shawnee County Department of Corrections deputy director, confirmed that Cherry previously resided at the same location as Zoey but was homeless at the time of his arrest.