12Yo Girl Kills 8Yo Cousin Over iPhone, Props Body Up To Make It Look Like She Was Sleeping
Demeria Hollingsworth, 8, was murdered by her 12-year-old cousin over an iPhone, according to reports.
Rayana Smith, the mother of 8-year-old Demeria Hollingsworth, remembers her daughter always smiling, excelling in academics, and hugging her little sister. “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 told WREG.
The crime took place in Humboldt, Tennessee, at the residence of Hollingworth's grandmother. She was visiting from Nashville, while her 12-year-old cousin was visiting from South Carolina.
The family reunion shortly turned into a nightmare when Hollingsworth was found unresponsive in her bed. A tipster revealed that a surveillance video from the room showed what happened: Hollingsworth was murdered by her unnamed cousin, who allegedly suffocated her using the bedding from the bunk bed they shared. The girl then cleaned Hollingsworth and repositioned her body to make it appear like she was sleeping under the covers.
District Attorney General for Tennessee Judicial District 28 Frederick Agee says, “No words can describe it. It’s unimaginable.”
The 12-year-old girl – who turns 13 soon – is now being charged with first-degree murder.
Smith revealed the murder was due to an argument over an iPhone. “When they told me about that, I should have just gone to get my kid,” she recalled. “But they were having fun for the summer, and I didn’t think she would kill my baby.”
According to WFLA, it's difficult for the mother to wrap her head around what happened to Hollingsworth. “She did nothing to deserve for her life to be taken,” Smith added. “She was only 8 years old. She just turned 8 in April.”
Frederick Agee said his office is petitioning Juvenile Judge Mark Johnson to transfer the child to Circuit Court to be tried as an adult, per WREG.
“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 posted to social media.
The 13-year-old is being charged with first-degree murder and tampering with evidence.
Smith has set up a GoFundMe to assist with funeral costs. "I’m Rayy. I just lost my baby, the most beautiful child of God on Monday, July 15th," the page reads. "The pain I’m feeling is unbearable. 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."
Smith continued, "Anything that you can contributed is greatly appreciated and will go towards the service. Thank you so much for all your love, prayers, and donations."
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