Girl, 12, Faces Murder Charge for Suffocating Younger Cousin

A 12-year-old girl in Tennessee has been charged with first-degree murder and tampering with evidence for allegedly suffocating her 8-year-old cousin over a dispute about an iPhone. The case is being sought to be tried in adult court, with the prosecution pushing for the maximum penalty.

A 12-year-old girl in Humboldt, Tennessee, is facing a first-degree murder charge for allegedly suffocating her 8-year-old cousin. Video evidence reportedly shows the girl using bedding to suffocate her cousin in the bunk bed they shared.

The suspect, who will turn 13 next week, is accused of cleaning up the victim's body and repositioning it after the incident. The victim's mother, Rayana Smith, has identified her daughter as Demeria Hollingsworth, a bright and cheerful child who excelled in school and showed great affection towards her younger sister.

Rayana Smith fondly remembers Demeria as a loving and accomplished child who brought joy to those around her. The tragic incident has left the family and community in shock, with the young suspect facing serious charges for her alleged 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,” Smith said.

The victim, Demeria Hollingsworth, and her cousin were spending their summer vacation at their grandmother's residence in Humboldt, Tennessee. According to Rayana Smith, the girls' disagreement over an iPhone escalated into a tragic incident.

Smith revealed that the dispute between the cousins was sparked by a desire to use the iPhone, which ultimately led to the alleged suffocation. The grandmother's home, where the girls were staying, has become the scene of a shocking and devastating crime.

“When they told me about that, I should have just gone to get my kid,” she said.

“But they were having fun for the summer and I didn't think she woul my baby.”

Smith is struggling to come to terms with the tragic loss of her daughter, finding it hard to comprehend the unimaginable circumstances surrounding Demeria's death.

“She did nothing to deserve for her life to be taken,” Smith said.

“She was only 8 years old. She just turned 8 in April.”

District Attorney General Frederick Agee is seeking to have the 12-year-old suspect tried as an adult in Circuit Court, and will submit a request to Juvenile Judge Mark Johnson to transfer the case from juvenile court to adult court.

“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 said in a statement.

The 12-year-old suspect is facing serious charges, including first-degree murder and tampering with evidence, in connection with the tragic death of her cousin. The prosecution, backed by the victim's family, is pushing for the maximum penalty allowed by law.

The victim's family, still reeling from the loss of their loved one, is seeking justice and wants the suspect to be held accountable for her actions. With the support of the prosecution, they are advocating for the most severe sentence possible, given the gravity of the crime.

“Last time I seen my baby, she was smiling, giving me kisses, telling me she will see me when it's time for her to come back home.

“She never coming back home. She never coming back home,” Smith said.