Authorities continue to investigate the death of a 12-year-old girl who was found unresponsive inside her home on Wednesday, March 18, in Enfield, Connecticut, in a case that has since led to serious criminal charges against a family member.

On April 3, the Enfield Police Department announced the arrest of the child’s stepfather, Anthony Federline.

According to an official press release, Federline has been charged with first-degree sexual assault and risk of injury to a minor.

He is currently being held on a $1,000,000 bond and is scheduled to be arraigned in Hartford Superior Court on Monday, April 6, 2026.

Community sources have indicated that Federline is employed as a school bus driver. Some individuals have also speculated about a possible connection between his presence in the home and the earlier decision to withdraw the child from public school for homeschooling. However, authorities have not confirmed any such link, and the circumstances surrounding that decision remain part of the broader context rather than established fact.

The investigation began on the morning of March 18, when emergency responders were dispatched to a residence on Elm Street at approximately 10:25 a.m. after a 911 call was placed.

According to reports, the child’s mother, Melanie Federline, had gone to wake her daughter, Eve Rogers, when she discovered that something was seriously wrong and immediately contacted authorities.

Upon arrival, officers from the Enfield Police Department, assisted by the Connecticut State Police Major Crime Unit, initiated a comprehensive investigation.

The scene was processed over a period exceeding 12 hours, during which investigators executed a search warrant and conducted what officials described as a “full and complete review” of the residence. Multiple items believed to be potentially relevant to the case were collected for forensic analysis.

At the time, authorities stated that it was not immediately clear whether a criminal act had occurred.

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has yet to determine the official cause and manner of death, noting that such results can take several weeks to finalize.

Police Chief Alaric Fox emphasized that the extensive investigative response was undertaken out of an abundance of caution. “We’re talking to anyone that we think, including family members, that might have relevant information,” he said, underscoring the department’s commitment to ensuring that no detail is overlooked.

The Connecticut Department of Children and Families has also confirmed its involvement in the case, working in coordination with law enforcement. Due to confidentiality laws, the agency has not disclosed whether it had any prior interaction with the family.

Officials confirmed that Eve had been homeschooled since September 2022, when her mother notified Enfield Public Schools that she would be withdrawn “for the rest of the school year and the foreseeable future.” At the time, Eve was enrolled in the fourth grade.

Superintendent Steven Moccio expressed the district’s condolences, describing the loss as deeply felt within the community. Counseling services have since been made available to students and families affected by the tragedy.

On March 28, Eve’s mother released a public statement addressing speculation surrounding her daughter’s death and the decision to homeschool her. She emphasized that neither the school system nor homeschooling should be blamed, stating that both had supported her daughter appropriately.

She suggested that, if any systemic gap existed, it may have been within the medical system, noting that Eve had pending appointments with specialists that were still months away. However, she stressed that no definitive conclusions can be drawn at this time, as the family continues to await official findings.

In her statement, she described her daughter as an exceptionally compassionate and thoughtful individual who valued understanding, unity, and kindness. She urged the public not to mischaracterize Eve’s life or reduce her story to speculation or debate, instead encouraging others to honor her memory by fostering empathy and connection.

Authorities have confirmed that the investigation remains active and ongoing.

Detectives continue to gather evidence and conduct interviews as they await the results of the autopsy, which are expected to play a critical role in determining the next steps in the case.

Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.