Zoey Felix had dropped out of USD 501 preschool before she was killed in Topeka

Rafael Garcia, Topeka Capital-Journal
Updated ·2 min read
23

Zoey Felix, the 5-year old girl who was raped and killed Monday evening, was a preschool student at Topeka USD 501 last school year, the district confirmed in a statement to the school community Wednesday.

Zoey was a student at Shaner Early Learning Academy for part of the past year but didn't complete the school year. She wasn't enrolled in classes this school year.

"Any death of a child impacts everyone in the community, and as a district, we are deeply saddened by the senseless, tragic death of Zoey Felix," superintendent Tiffany Anderson said in a statement shared with The Capital-Journal. "After speaking with local law enforcement yesterday and giving them time Monday to address initial matters in their ongoing investigation, today we are sharing some information with our school community."

Tiffany Anderson, superintendent of Topeka Public Schools USD 501, responded to the killing of 5-year-old Zoey Felix who was a student at Shaner Elementary School for part of last year.
Tiffany Anderson, superintendent of Topeka Public Schools USD 501, responded to the killing of 5-year-old Zoey Felix who was a student at Shaner Elementary School for part of last year.

USD 501 social workers may have visited Zoey Felix's home

In the statement to the community, superintendent Tiffany Anderson indicated that although the district cannot share specific details in Zoey's case, USD 501 social workers and staff report any matters they see to the relevant agencies, as well as complete home visits as an intervention step to avoid harm to children.

She said USD 501 officials continue to work with law enforcement, investigators and other community partners, especially as memorial services are planned.

More: 'Everybody loved Zoey, except her parents.' Neighbors say child slain Monday was neglected

"The entire school community is deeply saddened and troubled about the devastating loss of Zoey," Anderson wrote. "We extend appreciation to local law enforcement for partnering and for their efforts to hold accountable individuals involved. We know this is very difficult for all of our educators and social work staff who work hard to advocate for children through agencies as we ensure children feel loved and cared for."

Crisis team is supporting Shaner Early Learning Academy staff

In the aftermath of the tragedy, Anderson said that the district's mental health team and other officials held crisis team meetings with the principal and staff of the preschool center on Tuesday.

"A crisis team remains in place at Shaner this week and the Shaner principal has communicated with (the school community) today," she said. "Zoey was a very sweet, loving child and we are all devastated to learn about this horrible tragedy."

Rafael Garcia is an education reporter for the Topeka Capital-Journal. He can be reached at rgarcia@cjonline.com or by phone at ‪785-289-5325. Follow him on Twitter at @byRafaelGarcia.

This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Slaying victim Zoey Felix had been a Topeka Public Schools preschooler