ENFIELD, CT – A 12-year-old girl was found dead inside her bedroom in Enfield, prompting an investigation that led to the arrest of her stepfather on sexual assault charges as authorities continue to determine how the child died. Emergency crews were called to the home on the morning of March 18, where the girl, identified as Eve Rogers, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Eve’s mother, Melanie Federline, discovered her unresponsive after attempting to wake her. According to police, she forced open the locked bedroom door and found the girl face down on the floor before calling for help. Responders arrived at 10:25 a.m., but the child could not be revived.
Details from arrest warrant
According to an arrest warrant obtained by WVIT, Eve was found with her lower body covered by a blanket, and blood and fluids were observed coming from her nose. Investigators noted that rigor mortis had already begun. A cause of death has not yet been released.
Police said evidence collected from the scene led them to conduct a sexual assault examination. DNA samples were obtained from all members of the household, including Eve’s mother, stepfather Anthony Federline, and her siblings. Investigators later determined that Anthony Federline’s DNA matched evidence recovered from the child’s body.
Federline, 39, was arrested on April 2 and charged with sexual assault and risk of injury to a child. He is being held on a $1 million surety bond. He has not been charged in connection with Eve’s death.
According to the warrant, Federline consented to providing a DNA sample but told investigators the process felt like it was putting “salt in the wound.”
Family response and school district action
Melanie Federline told CTPost.com she was unaware of the allegations against her husband. “I’m not aware of any of these allegations, and I’m still trying to understand what’s happening,” she said. “I’m allowing the legal process to unfold.” She added that she is taking the allegations seriously and will continue cooperating with investigators.
Police said Eve had been diagnosed with autism and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), a condition affecting heart rate when standing.
Authorities also reported that two pills, including one identified as aspirin, were found in the bedroom during the investigation.
Anthony Federline had been working as a school bus driver for Enfield Public Schools through Smyth Bus Company. Following his arrest, Superintendent Steven Moccio confirmed to WVIT that Federline was terminated immediately and had passed a criminal background check at the time of hiring. Smyth Bus Company said it is cooperating with law enforcement.
A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help cover Eve Rogers’ funeral expenses as the investigation continues.
Anthony Federline’s next court date has not been announced.
Enfield CT child death, Anthony Federline arrest, Eve Rogers case, Connecticut sexual assault charges, Enfield police investigation
