12-Year-Old Girl Found Dead at Home as Stepfather Faces Sexual Assault Charges — Cause of Death Revealed

A heartbreaking case in Connecticut has raised troubling questions after authorities revealed the cause of death of 12-year-old Eve Rogers, who was found dead inside her family’s home in March 2026. The investigation took another disturbing turn when her stepfather was arrested and charged with sexually assaulting a minor.

According to PEOPLE, the medical examiner determined that Eve died from acute intoxication involving three medications: diphenhydramine, an ingredient found in Benadryl; fluoxetine, commonly known as Prozac; and bupropion, also known as Wellbutrin. However, authorities have reportedly been unable to determine whether her death was accidental, intentional, or the result of a homicide. The manner of death remains undetermined.

Eve was discovered unresponsive in a basement bedroom on the morning of March 18. According to reports, her mother found her lying motionless, and pills were reportedly discovered near where she was found. Despite the circumstances, investigators have not publicly established how the medications entered her system or whether another person was involved in her death.

The case became even more troubling when 39-year-old Anthony Federline, Eve’s stepfather, was arrested on April 2. He faces first-degree sexual assault charges and allegations involving risk of injury to a minor. According to reports cited by local media, DNA evidence collected during the investigation allegedly linked Federline to the sexual assault under investigation.

Federline was reportedly held on $1 million bond. As of the report, he had not entered a guilty plea, and his next court appearance was scheduled for November 4, 2026. The charges remain allegations, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

Meanwhile, questions surrounding Eve’s death remain unanswered. Investigators have yet to publicly determine precisely how she was exposed to the medications or whether her death was connected to any criminal conduct.

For those who knew Eve, the case represents the devastating loss of a young girl whose life ended far too soon. As investigators continue working to establish the facts, her death has left a family and community searching for answers — and hoping the full truth about what happened to the 12-year-old will eventually emerge.

Source: PEOPLE