Hartford, Connecticut — A 39-year-old man from Enfield has appeared in court after being charged in connection with the death of his 12-year-old stepdaughter, a case that continues to raise serious concerns in the local community.
Charges and Court Appearance
Authorities have identified the suspect as Anthony Federline, who is facing charges of first-degree sexual assault and risk of injury to a minor. He appeared before a judge on Monday and is expected to be assigned a public defender.
The court set his bond at $1 million. If released, the bond must be posted directly at the courthouse. His next court appearance is scheduled for May 5.
Timeline of the Incident
According to police, officers were called to a residence in Enfield on March 18 after reports of an unresponsive child. Upon arrival, they found 12-year-old Eve Rogers lying on the bedroom floor.
Investigators said the girl’s mother discovered her after becoming concerned when the bedroom door remained locked and there was no response. She reportedly used a butter knife to open the door before finding her daughter.
Authorities noted that the victim was partially covered with a blanket, and two unidentified pills were discovered near the doorway.
Investigation and Forensic Findings
A sexual assault examination was conducted prior to the autopsy. According to the arrest warrant, forensic results indicated that Federline was among the contributors identified through DNA evidence.
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner is continuing to investigate the cause and manner of death, with toxicology results still pending.
Additional Details from Police
Investigators reported that Federline told officers the girl had multiple medical conditions, including autism and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), and was undergoing evaluation for bipolar disorder.
Police also stated that Federline appeared emotionally distressed at the scene and requested space, saying he felt overwhelmed.
Employment and School District Response
At the time of the alleged incident, Federline was employed as a school bus driver through Smyth Bus Company, which provides transportation services for Enfield Public Schools.
School officials confirmed that he was terminated immediately after the district was notified of his arrest. Prior to that, they said they were unaware he was under investigation.
The district released a statement emphasizing its commitment to student safety and confirmed that counseling services would be made available for students and staff affected by the situation.
Ongoing Case
Prosecutors have argued that Federline poses a risk to public safety. While he has no significant prior criminal convictions in Connecticut, records indicate minor offenses, including firearm-related and shoplifting violations.
The investigation remains active as authorities await final medical findings and continue to gather evidence.