Homeless man charged with capital murder and rape in death of a 5-year-old girl
A homeless man has been charged with murder and rape in the killing of a 5-year-old girl in Topeka, Kansas TOPEKA, Kan. -- A 2 5-year- old homeless man was charged Thursday in the rape and killing of a 5-year- old Kansas girl who died despite firefighters' efforts to save her life in a gas station parking lot. Mickel Cherry faces one count of capital murder — which would allow prosecutors to seek the death penalty — and one count each of first-degree murder and rape in the death of Zoey Felix on Monday. He was jailed in Topeka on a $2 million bond, and his next court appearance has not yet been determined. Shawnee County District Attorney Michael Kagay told reporters that a decision about seeking a death sentence won't be made until after a preliminary hearing to determine whether Cherry stands trial. That is standard in capital cases. Mark Manna, of the Kansas Death Penalty Defense Unit, said his office would represent Cherry, but that he had no further comment. Cherry’...