A 12-year-old girl is reportedly experiencing charges after fatally smothering her eight-year-old cousin, Demeria Hollingsworth, allegedly over an iPhone.
As per to media, the 12-year-old, who has not been publicly identified, has been charged with first-degree homicide.
Additionally, the girl has been charged with tampering with proof. Both charges were reportedly filed via a “petition of delinquency.” Furthermore, the media marks that the girl will turn 13 this week.
“I consider this to be one of the most disturbing violent acts committed by either an adult or juvenile that my office has prosecuted,” District lawyer General Frederick H. Agee reportedly wrote in a statement.
In addition, The DA reportedly said that his office is requesting Juvenile Judge Mark Johnson to “transfer the delinquent child to Circuit Court to be tried as an adult.” USA Today reports that the transfer of the child would allow her to receive a “lengthier sentence” in court.
Here’s What Allegedly Happened
As per to the media, the fatal incident occurred at a home in Humboldt, Tennessee. A GoFundMe campaign launched by the 8-year-old’s mom, Rayana Smith, adds that the incident happened on July 15.
Media reports that video captured the 12-year-old using her bedding to suffocate her cousin. Demeria Hollingsworth was reportedly “sleeping in the top bunk of bunk beds they shared.”
To note, both girls were reportedly visiting their grandmother who lives at the residence.
Furthermore, after the 12-year-old finished smothering her cousin, she reportedly “cleaned up the victim and repositioned her body.”
Currently, police reportedly have not identified a motive for the 12-year-old’s actions. However, Smith has alleged that both girls were “arguing over an iPhone after coming from out of town to stay with their grandmother.”