In a deeply disturbing case, that occurred in Humboldt, Tennessee, a 12-year-old girl has been charged with first-degree murder and tampering with evidence after allegedly suffocating her 8-year-old cousin, Demeria Hollingsworth, to death.
The incident occurred on Monday, July 15, 2024, following an argument over an iPhone.
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Humboldt County District Attorney Frederick H. Agee confirmed that the suspect, who is about to turn 13, was captured on home surveillance footage using bedding to suffocate Demeria while she slept on the top bunk bed they shared. After the tragic act, the suspect allegedly attempted to clean up the scene and reposition the victim’s body.
“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 stated. The district attorney’s office has filed a motion to charge the 12-year-old as an adult, citing the horrendous nature of the crime and Tennessee law which limits juvenile court jurisdiction to age 19.
The victim, Demeria Hollingsworth, was a beloved student at Cockrill Elementary School in Nashville. The school’s principal, Casey Campbell, expressed profound sorrow, saying, “The Cockrill community is mourning the unexpected loss of Demeria Hollingsworth, a beloved student who had been part of Cockrill since PreK. Demeria was known for her hard work, intelligence, and sweet demeanor. She was cherished by everyone who knew her. Her passing has left all of us at Cockrill devastated.”
Demeria’s mother, Rayana Smith, said of her: “[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. My baby was sweet.”
Tamara Pullum, Demeria’s grandmother, echoed the sentiments, describing Demeria as very energetic, always happy, outgoing, and smart. “She made straight A’s, she always made the principal’s list, she was my girl. It’s a senseless incident, accident, what we people want to call it, to me a tragedy. She will be truly missed.”
Agee said it was necessary to transfer the case to the Circuit Court to ensure a more appropriate sentence, whether through incarceration or supervised release.
“Due to the horrendous nature of this crime and under Tennessee law, the Juvenile Court loses jurisdiction after a juvenile turns 19, and therefore, the juvenile would be free from any further detention, supervision, or court-ordered mental health treatment. Our office is petitioning Juvenile Judge Mark Johnson to transfer the delinquent child to Circuit Court to be tried as an adult.”
A GoFundMe campaign initiated by Demeria’s mother has raised over $16,000 for her funeral which is to hold on June 26th.
Agee urged the public to keep the victim’s family and the Humboldt Police Department in their thoughts and prayers as the investigation continues.
