A 12-year-old girl in Humboldt, Tennessee, has been charged with the murder of her 8-year-old cousin, Demeria Hollingsworth.
The tragic incident, which occurred on July 15, has left the local community rocked, following the release of disturbing surveillance footage.
According to the Gibson County District Attorney Frederick Agee, the home security video shows the 12-year-old allegedly suffocating Hollingsworth with bedding while the younger girl was asleep in the top bunk of the bed they shared.
After the act, the girl reportedly cleaned up the scene and repositioned the body, trying to cover up her actions.
Agee described the footage as showing "one of the most disturbing, violent acts committed by either an adult or juvenile" that his office has ever prosecuted.
The violence reportedly stemmed from an argument over an iPhone, as revealed by Hollingsworth's grieving mom, who spoke to WREG-TV. "When they told me about that, I should have just gone to get my kid,” mom Rayana Smith said. "But they were having fun for the summer and I didn’t think she would kill my baby."
The two girls had been staying with their grandmother for the summer, which was supposed to be a period of joy and bonding.
A heartbroken Smith told WREG-TV: "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’s never coming back home."
Smith described Demeria as a vibrant child who enjoyed reading, swimming, playing outside, and spending time with friends. "My baby was sweet," she added.
Smith has since launched a GoFundMe campaign to cover her daughter’s funeral expenses. In the page's description, she writes: "I just lost my baby, the most beautiful child of God on Monday, July 15th.
"The pain I’m feeling is unbearable. I have to now live life without her in this crazy world."
She also mentioned her need to remain strong for her surviving child, who has also lost a sister.
As of this writing, more than $13,000 has been raised.
In response to the gravity of the case, Prosecutor Agee has announced plans to petition Juvenile Judge Mark Johnson to transfer the case to Circuit Court. This move would allow the girl, who will turn 13 later this month, to be tried as an adult.
Agee argued that the extreme nature of the crime warrants a more severe legal response, potentially resulting in a lengthier sentence whether through incarceration or court-ordered supervision.
The 12-year-old girl is charges of first-degree murder and tampering with evidence.
Over the weekend, a candlelight vigil was held in honor of Demeria - with neighbors and pastors checking on the family, WBIR reports.
Our thoughts go out to Demeria Hollingsworth's family and loved ones at this time.
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