Tennessee girl, 12, allegedly strangled 8-year-old nephew after argument over iPhone, victim’s mother in ‘unbearable’ pain

In a horrific incident, a 12-year-old girl in Tennessee allegedly strangled her 8-year-old nephew to death while the baby slept. The crime was allegedly sparked by an argument over an iPhone, a family member said.

The prosecutor revealed that the murder, which took place in the bedroom they shared in Humboldt on July 15, was captured on security camera. The victim’s mother, Rayana Smith, identified her child as Demeria Hollingsworth, WREG reported.

The security camera footage allegedly showed the older child choking her nephew, who was sleeping in the top bunk, according to the affidavit filed by Gibson District Attorney Frederick Agee. Agee said that after Hollingsworth died, “the minor cleaned the victim up and repositioned her body.”

The suspect has been charged with first-degree murder and tampering with evidence. “I consider this to be one of the most disturbing violent acts committed by an adult or minor that my office has ever prosecuted,” Agee said in the statement, adding that he plans to petition a judge to prosecute the suspect in adult court, which would allow for “a longer sentence, either through incarceration or supervision with court-ordered conditions.”

‘The pain I feel is unbearable’

Smith has now set up a GoFundMe to raise money that will go towards funding a funeral for her daughter. “I just lost my baby, God’s most beautiful child, on Monday, July 15th. The pain I am in is unbearable. I now have to live without her in this crazy world. But I have another child that depends on me, and I have to be strong for my baby because she also lost her big sister. I never thought something like this would happen and now I am trying to fund a funeral,” Smith wrote on the page.

Tracy Boyd, who claimed to be Smith’s cousin, spoke out about the incident in a Facebook post. “How tf can a 12 year old have the energy, ability, knowledge, nerve and courage to strangle an 8 year old in his sleep – then go back and move the body!? I’m trying my hardest not to turn this town upside down for Rayana,” Boyd wrote in part.

“I’ve had Rayana in my thoughts ever since because I know how much she loves her girls. It was literally just the three of them playing together all day long. The moment she gave her the freedom to come visit and hang out, the most incredible thing happened… We’re not done with this yet,” Boud added.