HUMBOLDT, TN – In a tragic incident that has rocked a small Tennessee community, a 12-year-old girl stands accused of smothering her 8-year-old cousin to death following a dispute over an iPhone. Frederick Agee, the District Attorney for Humboldt County, has charged the young suspect with first-degree murder and evidence tampering in connection with the death.

The case, described by the DA as “one of the most disturbing violent acts” he’s seen, unfolded after authorities reviewed home surveillance footage. According to the evidence, the incident occurred while the children were sleeping; the 12-year-old allegedly used bedding to suffocate her cousin, who was in the top bunk of their shared bunk bed.

Prosecutors are taking the severe step of filing a motion to try the accused as an adult, a move that emphasizes the grave nature of the allegations. In the aftermath of the act, the young girl is believed to have repositioned the body of her cousin and attempted to clean up the scene, detailing the extent of premeditation and afterthought in the crime.

The 8-year-old victim, identified by her mother as Demeria Hollingsworth, is remembered fondly as a child full of life and joy. “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,” her mother said, mourning the loss. Demeria’s inherent sweetness and innocence have been underscored by those who knew her, casting a shadow of sorrow over the community.

The community has shown support for the grieving family through a GoFundMe campaign created to assist in this difficult time. The campaign has garnered substantial financial support, reflecting the compassionate response from the public to this heartbreaking story.