A march for Zoey Felix is planned in Topeka. Here's what organizer wants governor to do
Organizers are planning a march in downtown Topeka to demand action following the death of Zoey Felix.
What happened to Zoey Felix?
Police statements and Topeka Capital-Journal interviews with neighbors indicate that 5-year-old Zoey had become homeless in recent weeks before allegedly being raped and killed by a homeless man. Police have arrested Mickel Cherry, 25, on suspicion of rape and murder, but formal charges had not been filed as of Thursday morning.
Neighbors have said they reported Zoey's living conditions to the Kansas Department for Children and Families. Police said they did, too, after discovering during a welfare check last month that the house had no electricity. Topeka Public Schools indicated its social workers may have visited Zoey's home.
It is unknown what DCF did with the reports. DCF secretary Laura Howard told legislators that she is legally barred from talking publicly about the case at this stage of the investigation.
When and where is the march in Topeka?
The Facebook event page for March 4 Zoey states it will start about 5 p.m. Saturday with remarks at Evergy Plaza before participants march along S. Kansas Avenue and S.W. 10th Avenue to reach the south steps of the Statehouse.
What do march organizers want to happen?
"We will DEMAND that Governor Kelly calls for a special session to address the problems that lead to Zoey Felix (SAY HER NAME) being raped & murdered," the event page states. "The time for action is NOW! We CANNOT allow this horrid act to just be another statistic. For too long, the State of Kansas, and the cities within it, have done nothing to confront the growing problem of homelessness, a failing foster care system, and a steadily rising crime rate (including murder)."
"These issues don't just affect us here in Topeka, but also in Lawrence, KCK, Wichita, and many more places here in the sunflower state," the page states. "Get the word out! DEMAND ACTION!"
More: Zoey Felix, 5, was killed October 2 in Topeka. Here's the latest on response to her death
Who is organizing the Zoey Felix march?
Jenner Cochran is organizing the March 4 Zoey.
"My reason is because the string of horrific events that keep happening to children in this state is completely unacceptable, and our legislature spent the entire session bullying marginalized communities, trying to take away public school dollars to give to private schools, and trying to cut taxes for the richest among us," he told The Capital-Journal. "The system is broken."
Cochran isn't related to Zoey.
"I am just a concerned parent of a 6 year old who has had enough," he said. "What happened to people caring about others just for the sake of community? What happened to empathy in today's society? No, I was not related to Zoey, or any of the other kids failed by this system and state, but my heart is completely shattered nonetheless. And I know I'm not alone."
March comes after a prayer vigil
The march comes after a prayer vigil earlier this week at First Presbyterian Church, with moments of silence and mourning for the loss of Zoey.
Jason Alatidd is a statehouse reporter for the Topeka Capital-Journal. He can be reached by email at jalatidd@gannett.com. Follow him on X @Jason_Alatidd.
This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: March 4 Zoey planned at Kansas Statehouse after Topeka girl's killing
