Memorial grows in honor of 12-year-old found dead in Enfield home as investigation continues
Nearly four months have passed since the death of a 12-year-old girl in Enfield. Some newly released documents are shedding light on the case, but there are still many unanswered questions.
As time continues and investigators keep working, community members say they are looking for ways to keep the 12-year-old girl’s story alive.
“We don’t want the little girl to be forgotten,” said one neighbor in Enfield who didn’t want to be identified.
The neighbor has been growing a memorial since March, when the 12-year-old girl was found dead in her home just a few minutes down the road.
“We just wanted to let the town know and let anybody that wants to witness the sign that we want to see somebody held accountable,” the neighbor said.
The girl’s stepfather, former school bus driver Anthony Federline, was charged with sexually assaulting her before her death.
Court documents reveal the girl ingested a lethal amount of diphenhydramine, also known as Benadryl. Prozac, which she was not prescribed, was also found in her system.
But the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner said her cause and manner of death are still pending.
Multiple search warrants NBC Connecticut has obtained since April indicate police are searching for evidence that could connect Federline to her death, but he has not been charged with murder.
Federline is back in court for his sexual assault charge on July 28.
“We want to know: why wasn’t she protected? What really happened to her? And how can we protect other children, especially during summer vacation, which is such a vulnerable time,” said Elizabeth Protzman, a community activist with Miss United Crown of America, who is organizing a vigil for the 12-year-old.
The vigil will be at the courthouse on July 28, and Protzman says they are partnering with faith and domestic violence organizations.
“We will be there as many times as we need to for any other hearings,” Protzman said. “We truly believe justice needs to be had for her anyone else going though this.”
Both Enfield police and the Department of Children and Families said they are continuing to investigate the girl’s death.
“This could go on for many more months. This could even go on for a couple of years. I’m willing to keep the fence going as long as it takes. Try to keep her memory going, try to keep her memory alive,” the neighbor said.
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