Repeated Investigations Fail to Protect Kansas Girl, Resulting in Tragic Outcome

Child welfare officials in Kansas investigated the family of a 5-year-old girl, Zoey Felix, five times in the 13 months before she was raped and killed. The investigations couldn't confirm allegations of neglect or drug use by her mother, and the family repeatedly declined offers of help. Zoey died after fire crews couldn't resuscitate her at a gas station, and a homeless man has been charged with her murder. The governor plans to push for legislation to expedite the release of information when a child dies of abuse or neglect. The case records have been sealed, leaving an information vacuum. Neighbors had expressed concerns about Zoey's well-being, and child welfare officials had received multiple tips about poor conditions and unsupervised children in the home.