A shocking and disturbing crime has emerged in Tennessee, where a 12-year-old girl has been charged with first-degree murder for allegedly suffocating her 8-year-old cousin while she slept. The incident has left the victim's family reeling and a community grappling with the senseless act.
A 12-year-old girl in Tennessee has been charged with first-degree murder and tampering with evidence after allegedly suffocating her 8-year-old cousin to death while she slept during a family visit.
Home security video footage captured the chilling incident that occurred on July 15 at a home in Humboldt, located 98 miles northeast of Memphis. The footage reportedly shows the 12-year-old girl, who will turn 13 this week, using bedding to suffocate her cousin.
Tragic Loss: 12-Year-Old Girl Allegedly Suffocates 8-Year-Old Cousin to Death
The victim, identified as Demeria Hollingsworth by her mother, Rayana Smith, was sleeping in the top bunk of the bunk beds they shared. According to authorities, the older girl then cleaned up the victim and repositioned her body before attempting to conceal her actions.
"She liked to read books, go swimming, play outside, ride her bike every day, play with the kids in the neighborhood, play with my friends' kids. My baby was sweet," a heartbroken Smith told Fox 59.
Tragic Loss: 12-Year-Old Girl Allegedly Suffocates 8-Year-Old Cousin to Death
Prior to the tragic incident, Smith revealed that the girls had argued over an iPhone. She expressed regret for not bringing her daughter home sooner, saying, "When they told me about that, I should have just gone to get my kid. But they were having fun for the summer and I didn't think she would kill my baby."
District Attorney General Frederick Agee of the 28th District in West Tennessee stated that his office is petitioning to have the 12-year-old transferred to Circuit Court to be tried as an adult, which could lead to a more severe sentence.
"I consider this to be one of the most disturbing violent acts committed by either an adult or juvenile that my office has prosecuted," Agee declared in a statement.
Metro Nashville Public Schools confirmed that Hollingsworth attended Cockrill Elementary School. Principal Casey Campbell expressed the school community's profound sorrow and devastation over her loss.
"Demeria was known for her hard work, intelligence, and sweet demeanor," Campbell stated. "She was cherished by everyone who knew her. Her passing has left all of us at Cockrill devastated. She will be greatly missed."
A GoFundMe page has been set up by Hollingsworth's mother to help cover funeral expenses. The service is scheduled for July 26.
As the investigation into this senseless tragedy continues, authorities are working to determine the motive and circumstances surrounding the crime. The community is left in shock and mourning, as friends and family struggle to comprehend the unimaginable loss of a young and innocent life.
