In Humboldt, Tennessee, a 12-year-old girl has been charged with murder for allegedly smothering her 8-year-old cousin while the younger girl slept. The incident reportedly stemmed from a dispute over an iPhone, according to a relative.
Security Camera Captures the Incident
The Gibson County prosecutor, Frederick Agee, revealed that a security camera inside the bedroom recorded the horrifying event on July 15. The footage shows the older girl using bedding to suffocate her cousin, who was asleep on the top bunk. After the child’s death, the 12-year-old reportedly cleaned the scene and repositioned her cousin’s body, Agee said in a statement.
Family Dispute Over an iPhone
A relative informed WREG-TV in Memphis that the two girls had been arguing over an iPhone. They had recently traveled to stay with their grandmother when the tragedy occurred.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
The girl has been charged with first-degree murder and tampering with evidence. Authorities obtained the disturbing video evidence on Wednesday, leading to the charges. Agee described the act as “one of the most disturbing violent acts committed by either an adult or juvenile that my office has prosecuted.”
Agee announced his intention to petition a judge to prosecute the girl as an adult, which could result in a longer sentence, potentially involving incarceration or supervision with specific court-ordered conditions. The girl is set to turn 13 later this month.
