HUMBOLDT, Tenn. (WTVF) — On July 15 in Humboldt, Tennessee an 8-year-old was suffocated in their sleep.
Police say they obtained home security video that shows the eight-year-old's cousin, who is 12, using bedding to suffocate her while she was sleeping in the top bunk of the beds they shared. Both children were visiting family and are not Humboldt residents.
The Humboldt Police Department filed a Petition of Delinquency which charges the 12-year-old with first degree murder and tampering with evidence.
According to Frederick H. Agee, the District Attorney General for the area, their office is petitioning to take the child to a Circuit Court to be tried as an adult. This would mean a potentially longer sentence.
"Please keep the Victim’s Family and the Humboldt Police Department in your thoughts and prayers," Agee said in a statement.
A GoFundMe has been created for the family of the eight-year-old, if you would like to help during this difficult tragedy.
It’s a sad reality that area animal shelters and non-profit rescue organizations face constant overcrowding -- with so many dogs, cats and other animals waiting for a forever home. Jason Lamb reports here that Metro leaders are working with those groups – including Critter Cavalry – to find solutions. I’ve fostered a dog from Critter Cavalry, so I understand the need is great. And I found my pup Domino through another local group, Proverbs Animal Rescue. Ultimately, it starts with all of us. Getting more dogs and cats spayed or neutered can help control the pet population – and ease the burden.
-Rhori Johnston
