A 12-year-old girl is reportedly facing charges after fatally smothering her 8-year-old cousin, Demeria Hollingsworth, allegedly over an iPhone.
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More Details On The 12-Year-Old Girl’s Charges
According to USA Today, the 12-year-old, who has not been publicly identified, has been charged with first-degree murder. Additionally, the girl has been charged with tampering with evidence. Both charges were reportedly filed via a “petition of delinquency.” Furthermore, the outlet notes that the girl will turn 13 this week.
“I consider this to be one of the most disturbing violent acts committed by either an adult or juvenile that my office has prosecuted,” District Attorney General Frederick H. Agee reportedly wrote in a statement.
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Additionally, The DA reportedly stated that his office is requesting Juvenile Judge Mark Johnson to “transfer the delinquent child to Circuit Court to be tried as an adult.” USA Today reports that the transfer of the child would allow her to receive a “lengthier sentence” in court.
Here’s What Allegedly Happened
According to the outlet, the fatal incident took place at a home in Humboldt, Tennessee. A GoFundMe campaign launched by the 8-year-old’s mother, Rayana Smith, adds that the incident occurred on July 15.
USA Today reports that video captured the 12-year-old using her bedding to suffocate her cousin. Demeria Hollingsworth was reportedly “sleeping in the top bunk of bunk beds they shared.” To note, both girls were reportedly visiting their grandmother who lives at the residence.
Furthermore, after the 12-year-old finished smothering her cousin, she reportedly “cleaned up the victim and repositioned her body.”
At this time, police reportedly have not identified a motive for the 12-year-old’s actions. However, Smith has alleged that both girls were “arguing over an iPhone after coming from out of town to stay with their grandmother.”
“The pain I’m feeling is unbearable,” the mother stated via GoFundMe. “I have to now live life without her in this crazy world. But I have another child who’s depending on me, and I have to be strong for my baby because she lost her big sister also. I never imagined anything like this would happen and now find myself trying to fund a funeral.”
A Foster Mom Recently Made Headlines After Allegedly Smothering Her Son
As The Shade Room previously reported, the incident in Tennessee is not the only similar incident to make headlines in recent months. Earlier this month, a foster mom in Indiana was charged with reckless homicide for an incident that occurred in April.
The woman, Jennifer Wilson, reportedly laid on 10-year-old Dakota Levi Stevens for about five minutes because he allegedly was “acting up.” Furthermore, IndyStar noted that Wilson is over 300 pounds.
Ultimately, the woman suffocated the boy, leading to his being placed on life support. The outlet reported that Stevens passed away on April 27.
