Somerset Town in Mourning as 9-Year-Old Girl Is Killed and Teen Suspect Awaits Trial
The town of Weston-super-Mare is in mourning after the death of nine-year-old Aria Thorpe, as a 15-year-old boy accused of her murder was remanded in custody and a provisional trial date was set for June 2026.
Police were called to a home on Lime Close just before 6:10 p.m. on December 15, 2025, where Aria was found with a fatal stab wound. Despite efforts by emergency services, she was pronounced dead at the scene. A post-mortem examination later confirmed that she died from a single stab wound.
A 15-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was arrested minutes later in the nearby village of Worle and subsequently charged with Aria’s murder. The case has sent shockwaves through the quiet Somerset community, where residents have struggled to comprehend the loss of such a young child.
In the days following Aria’s death, Lime Close has become a focal point for grief. Flowers, cards, and tributes have been laid by neighbors and friends, many describing a profound sense of disbelief and sorrow. Jen Appleford, superintendent with Avon and Somerset Police, said the tragedy had caused “a huge amount of shock and upset” and confirmed that support was being provided to local schools and families affected.
Aria’s family paid moving tributes to a girl they described as full of joy, light, and personality. In a statement released through police, relatives said Aria loved to sing, dance, and dress up, always taking pride in looking like her mother. “The loss of Aria has devastated us beyond words,” the family said, adding that they are holding each other close as they try to cope with the unimaginable.
Her father, Tom Thorpe, also shared his heartbreak, remembering weekends spent together and Aria’s adventurous spirit. He described her as brave, kind-hearted, and full of laughter, saying her “wacky ways” brought smiles to everyone around her and left an irreplaceable void in the lives of those who loved her.
Friends echoed those sentiments. Tamara Taylor, the mother of Aria’s best friend, said the two girls were inseparable and described Aria as “sassy for her age,” with a love for dressing up and play. Parents in the area have spoken about how difficult it has been to explain the tragedy to their own children.
Aria had recently celebrated her ninth birthday with a K-pop–themed party and had been excitedly discussing her Christmas wish list just the night before her death. Family members described her as lively and bubbly, with a love for animals and music, particularly Dolly Parton’s “Jolene.”
The accused boy appeared at Bristol Crown Court on December 19 via video link from youth detention accommodation. Judge Peter Blair ruled that the teenager should remain in custody, citing the seriousness of the charge and the risks involved. A provisional trial date was set for June 15, 2026, with the case expected to last two weeks.
As the investigation continues, Aria’s family has thanked the public for the messages of support they have received and asked for privacy as they grieve. The community of Weston-super-Mare remains united in sorrow, remembering a young life lost and awaiting the legal process ahead in the hope that justice will be served.
