MEMPHIS, TN – In a shocking incident, a 12-year-old girl from Humboldt, Tennessee, is facing charges of first-degree murder and tampering with evidence after investigators reviewed home security footage that they say shows her suffocating her 8-year-old cousin. The disturbing event took place in a bunk bed the cousins shared, with prosecutors alleging the older girl used bedding to carry out the act.
The victim, identified by her mother Rayana Smith as Demeria Hollingsworth, was remembered as a joyful and active child who loved to read, swim, and engage with friends. “My baby was sweet,” Smith said, describing how Demeria enjoyed riding her bike and playing outdoors.
The horrifying incident reportedly stemmed from a dispute over an iPhone, according to the victim’s mother. “When they told me about that, I should have just gone to get my kid,” Smith said, reflecting on her decision to let her daughter stay with their grandmother for the summer. “But they were having fun for the summer and I didn’t think she would kill my baby.”
The accused, who will turn 13 next week, allegedly repositioned Demeria’s body and cleaned up the scene, which led to the additional charge of tampering with evidence. Frederick Agee, District Attorney General for the 28th District of West Tennessee, expressed his horror over the disturbing violence in the case.
The prosecution is seeking to have the case transferred to Circuit Court, proposing that the girl be tried as an adult due to the severity of the accusations.
The community has been left reeling by the loss of such a young life under such harrowing circumstances. A GoFundMe campaign has been established to assist with Demeria’s funeral expenses as her family grapples with the unimaginable grief of her passing.