8-Year Old Demeria Hollingsworth Killed By Her 12-Year Old Cousin in Humboldt Tennessee

On July 15, 2024, the small town of Humboldt, Tennessee, was struck by an unimaginable tragedy. Eight-year-old Demeria Hollingsworth was found dead at her grandmother’s home. The details surrounding her death sent shockwaves through the community, leaving family, friends, and authorities struggling to comprehend the horrific event. The suspect in this heart-wrenching case was her own 12-year-old cousin, La’Quvanah Parson. What followed was a story of grief, justice, and an entire community searching for answers.

The Events Leading to Demeria’s Death

Demeria Hollingsworth, an 8-year-old girl from Nashville, was spending the summer at her grandmother’s house in Humboldt. Her 12-year-old cousin, La’Quvanah Parson, was also visiting from South Carolina. The two girls, described as inseparable by family members, were supposed to be enjoying the simple joys of summer. However, on the afternoon of July 15, everything changed.

At approximately 2:10 p.m., Humboldt Police received a call to the home on East Mitchell Street. When officers arrived, they found Demeria unresponsive in an upstairs bedroom. Despite efforts to revive her, she was pronounced dead at the scene. It wasn’t until later that police obtained home surveillance footage, which revealed a shocking and heart-wrenching sequence of events.

Surveillance Footage Reveals a Grim Reality

The Humboldt Police Department uncovered crucial evidence from a home security camera inside the bedroom where the two girls had been staying. The video reportedly shows La’Quvanah Parson, then just 12 years old, using bedding to suffocate her sleeping cousin on the top bunk of a bunk bed. According to District Attorney General Frederick Agee, the video shows Parson applying her full body weight to the bedding as she covered Demeria’s face. The 8-year-old is seen struggling beneath the weight before going still.

The most chilling aspect of the footage, according to reports, is what happened afterward. Parson is seen retrieving tissues and other materials to clean Demeria’s face. She then moves Demeria’s body, positioning it to look as though she had simply fallen asleep under the covers. This evidence was pivotal in the decision to press charges for first-degree murder and tampering with evidence.

Family’s Heartbreak and Reflections on Motive

Demeria Hollingsworth was known as a bright, energetic, and loving child. Her mother, Rayana Smith, described her as a straight-A student who loved to ride bikes, play with neighborhood kids, and hug her little sister. The last time Smith saw her daughter, Demeria was smiling and giving her kisses before heading off for the summer visit.

The motive for such a horrific act remains unclear, but one theory emerged during the investigation. It was suggested that the two cousins had argued over an iPhone days before the tragedy. While this possible motive has not been confirmed by authorities, it has become a point of focus for the family and legal team. Demeria’s mother shared her regret, saying, “When they told me about that, I should have just gone to get my kid. But they were having fun for the summer, and I didn’t think she would kill my baby.”

The Charges and Legal Proceedings

Initially charged as a juvenile, La’Quvanah Parson faced allegations of first-degree murder and tampering with evidence. However, given the severity of the crime, District Attorney Frederick Agee petitioned the court to transfer the case to adult court. The decision was based on Tennessee law, which allows juvenile jurisdiction to end at age 19. Had Parson been tried as a juvenile, she could have been released as early as age 18.

During a hearing on September 24, Judge Mark Johnson ruled in favor of the transfer, meaning Parson, now 13, would face trial as an adult. According to District Attorney Agee, this transfer was essential to ensure justice for Demeria, as adult court offers the possibility of a significantly lengthier sentence. If convicted, Parson could face years of incarceration or supervised treatment, depending on the court’s ruling.

Community Outrage and the Push for Justice

The Humboldt community was stunned by the details of Demeria Hollingsworth’s death. Community members, classmates, and teachers from her Nashville school mourned her loss. Her school even held a candlelight vigil in her honor, remembering her as a joyful, intelligent, and loving child.

Demeria’s grandmother, who had been hosting the two girls for the summer, was also heartbroken. She told local news that the two cousins were always together and had shared a close bond. How their relationship could turn so violent remains a mystery that haunts the family.

District Attorney Agee called it “one of the most disturbing violent acts” his office had ever prosecuted, noting that the case weighed heavily on investigators, officers, and everyone involved. He asked for prayers for the Hollingsworth family and the officers working on the case. Agee also highlighted the importance of seeking justice for Demeria, not only for her family but also for the safety of the community.

Remembering Demeria Hollingsworth

The loss of Demeria Hollingsworth has left an indelible mark on her family, friends, and community. Outside her grandmother’s home on East Mitchell Street, loved ones created a touching memorial. Balloons in her favorite colors—pink, purple, and pale blue—adorned the site. Her cherished stuffed animals, bottles of nail polish, and handwritten notes from family and friends surrounded the memorial. It was a tribute to a child who loved life and had so much potential.

Her mother, Rayana Smith, started a GoFundMe to raise funds for Demeria’s funeral. The campaign, which raised over $18,000, was a testament to the love and support from the community. People from across the country donated to help Smith lay her daughter to rest, and many left words of sympathy and encouragement.

“Last time I seen my baby, she was smiling, giving me kisses, telling me she would see me when it’s time for her to come back home. She’s never coming back home,” Smith said in an emotional interview.

Legal and Ethical Debate Surrounding Juvenile Justice

The decision to charge La’Quvanah Parson as an adult has sparked discussion about the justice system’s handling of juvenile offenders. While some believe she should be tried as a juvenile due to her age, others argue that the severity of the crime justifies adult charges. District Attorney Agee’s statement highlights the complexity of the case, as it touches on issues of rehabilitation, punishment, and the long-term impact of juvenile crimes.

Critics argue that children lack the full cognitive development to understand the consequences of their actions. Others counter that certain acts of violence are so severe that they warrant adult charges, regardless of the perpetrator’s age. This case has become a flashpoint for ongoing debates about juvenile justice reform in the U.S. legal system.

A Community in Mourning and Call for Justice

The death of Demeria Hollingsworth is a tragedy that resonates beyond Humboldt, Tennessee. It reminds communities everywhere of the fragility of life and the unexpected dangers that can arise, even within family bonds. The community’s outpouring of grief has turned into a demand for justice, as they rally around the family of Demeria.

Her mother, Rayana Smith, has been vocal about her desire for the maximum sentence for La’Quvanah Parson, hoping it will provide a sense of justice for her daughter’s life. The pain of her loss is felt by all who knew and loved Demeria, and her memory continues to inspire the community to seek change and protection for children everywhere.

Conclusion

The tragic death of Demeria Hollingsworth at the hands of her cousin has left an entire community reeling. As the case unfolds in court, the focus remains on seeking justice for Demeria and ensuring that the community is protected. While the family mourns the loss of a joyful, smart, and loving child, they also work to find peace amid the grief. La’Quvanah Parson’s future remains uncertain as the justice system determines her fate. For now, the Humboldt community remembers Demeria, a life taken too soon, and continues to rally in support of her family.