8-year-old girl dies after her 12-year-old cousin used blankets to smother her to death while she was asleep because they had a dispute earlier over a cellphone; minor arrested
Tennessee – A tragic incident unfolded in Tennessee, where a 12-year-old girl, who hasn’t been identified due to her age, is accused of smothering her 8-year-old cousin, D. Hollingsworth, to death during a sleepover at their grandmother’s house. According to authorities, the alleged motive behind the crime was a dispute they had earlier over a cellphone.
The fatal incident occurred on Monday night, July 15, when, according to authorities, the young suspect used blankets to smother Hollingsworth as she slept on a bunk bed. After the act, the suspect allegedly cleaned up the scene and repositioned Hollingsworth’s body, actions that were reportedly captured by home surveillance cameras. The girls were spending their summer vacation at their grandmother’s residence, a time which was meant to be filled with childhood joy and relaxation.
The victim’s mother, recalled her daughter as a joyful and active child who thrived in school and loved outdoor activities such as swimming, riding her bike, and playing with other children in the neighborhood. “My baby was sweet,” Smith said, expressing disbelief and profound sorrow over the senseless loss of her daughter. The conflict, as per the victim’s mother, originated from a petty argument over a cellphone—a detail that makes the situation even more heartbreaking. The mother regretted not intervening sooner to bring her daughter home, not foreseeing the extent of the danger: “When they told me about that, I should have just gone to get my kid,” she added.
Following the incident, the DA’s office announced they were seeking to have the case transferred to Circuit Court, proposing that the young suspect be tried as an adult. This decision underscores the severity and disturbing nature of the crime, with the DA stating, “I consider this to be one of the most disturbing violent acts committed by either an adult or juvenile that my office has prosecuted.”
Currently, the 12-year-old is facing charges of first-degree murder and tampering with evidence. As the legal proceedings continue, the mother is vocal about her desire for the maximum sentence for the suspect, reflecting her immense grief and the irrevocable loss of her daughter: “Last time I seen my baby, she was smiling, giving me kisses, telling me she will see me when it’s time for her to come back home. She never coming back home,” the victim’s mother said.
To aid with funeral expenses and support the grieving family, the victim’s mother launched a fundraiser, which stated: “I just lost my baby, the most beautiful child of God on Monday, July 15th. The pain I’m feeling is unbearable. I have to now live life without her in this crazy world. But I have another child who’s depending on me, and I have to be strong for my baby because she lost her big sister also. I never imagined anything like this would happen and now find myself trying to fund a funeral. Anything that you can contributed is greatly appreciated and will go towards the service. Thank you so much for all your love, prayers, and donations.”
