Tennessee Girl Charged with Cousin's Murder in Disturbing Case

A 12-year-old girl from Tennessee has been charged with the first-degree murder of her 8-year-old cousin, Demeria Hollingsworth, who was allegedly suffocated while sleeping during a family visit. The incident occurred on July 15 in Humboldt, approximately 98 miles northeast of Memphis. Prosecutors revealed that home security footage captured the older girl using bedding to suffocate her cousin, after which she reportedly attempted to clean the scene and reposition the victim's body. Demeria's mother, Rayana Smith, described her daughter as a vibrant child who enjoyed reading, swimming, and playing outside. Smith expressed her heartbreak over the loss, stating that the girls had been staying with their grandmother for the summer and had previously argued over an iPhone. Reflecting on the situation, she lamented, "When they told me about that, I should have just gone to get my kid," emphasizing her disbelief that such a tragedy could occur. District Attorney General Frederick Agee announced plans to petition Juvenile Judge Mark Johnson to transfer the case to Circuit Court, which would allow the older girl to be tried as an adult, potentially leading to a more severe sentence. A memorial service for Demeria is scheduled for July 26, as the local community mourns the loss of a beloved student known for her intelligence and kind nature. School Principal Casey Campbell highlighted the impact of Demeria's death, stating that she was cherished by her peers and teachers at Cockrill Elementary, where she had been a student since Pre-K.