12-year-old Tennessee girl accused of murdering cousin over 'iPhone' argument

A horrific incident has rocked Tennessee as a 12-year-old girl faces accusations of suffocating her 8-year-old cousin during a family visit, officials disclosed last week. Chilling home surveillance footage purportedly captured the pre-teen who will celebrate her 13th birthday this week allegedly employing bedding to smother her cousin on July 15 at a residence in Humboldt, located about 98 miles northeast of Memphis, after which she reportedly cleaned and repositioned the young victim's body, claim authorities.

While the younger cousin was asleep in the top bunk they were sharing, the accused now faces grave legal consequence s including charges of first-degree murder and tampering with evidence . The heartbroken mother, Rayana Smith, mourned her daughter Demeria Hollingsworth, whose interests included reading, swimming, and cycling, according to Fox 59.

"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," shared a devastated Smith with the media. Prior to the tragic event, the girls had reportedly been embroiled in a quarrel over an iPhone, revealed Smith, reports Fox5NY.

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"When they told me about that, I should have just gone to get my kid," Smith regretted, reflecting on the warning signs. "But they were having fun for the summer and I didn't think she would kill my baby." Frederick Agee, the District Attorney General for the 28th District in West Tennessee, announced that his office is advocating for the child to be tried as an adult in Circuit Court, a move that could subject her to harsher punishment if convicted.

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"I consider this to be one of the most disturbing violent acts committed by either an adult or juvenile that my office has prosecuted," he said in a statement. A service for Hollingsworth will be held on July 26, according to a GoFundMe page created by her mother.

Metro Nashville Public Schools confirmed to Fox News Digital that Hollingsworth attended Cockrill Elementary School.

"The Cockrill community is mourning the unexpected loss of Demeria Hollingsworth, a beloved student who had been part of Cockrill since Pre-K. Demeria was known for her hard work, intelligence, and sweet demeanor," school Principal Casey Campbell said in a statement provided by the school district. "She was cherished by everyone who knew her. Her passing has left all of us at Cockrill devastated. She will be greatly missed."

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