Tragic Turnover in Tennessee: 12-Year-Old Allegedly Smothers Cousin Over iPhone
In a tragic turn of events, a 12-year-old girl has been accused of smothering her 8-year-old cousin to death following an argument over an iPhone. This heartbreaking incident occurred in Humboldt, Tennessee, shaking the tight-knit community to its core.
District Attorney Frederick Agee revealed that the 12-year-old, who is on the cusp of turning 13, has been charged with first-degree murder and tampering with evidence. According to Agee, home surveillance footage allegedly shows the girl using bedding to suffocate her cousin, who was sleeping on the top bunk of a bunk bed they shared.
The situation only worsens from there. After the 8-year-old, identified as Demeria Hollingsworth, died, the suspect allegedly cleaned up the victim and repositioned her body. Agee described this as “one of the most disturbing violent acts committed by either an adult or juvenile that my office has prosecuted.”
Given the gravity of the situation, prosecutors have filed a motion to charge the 12-year-old as an adult. The news has left the community in shock and grief.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(680x349:682x351):format(webp)/Demeria-Hollingsworth-072224-6115b86219af494894414f80c96abda4.jpg)
Demeria’s mother shared her sorrow with WREG, recounting how the girls had argued over an iPhone. She painted a picture of a sweet and lively child: “[Demeria] 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.”
In the wake of this tragedy, a GoFundMe started by Demeria’s mother has raised over $14,000 to support the family.
Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE’s free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage, and details of intriguing unsolved cases.
Stay strong, and let’s keep the Hollingsworth family in our thoughts during this incredibly difficult time.
With love,
Fame Bulletin
