Teenager Denies Murdering 9-Year-Old Girl in Somerset
A 16-year-old boy has pleaded not guilty to murdering nine-year-old Aria Thorpe in Weston-super-Mare, Somerset. The teenager, shielded by legal protections due to his age, stands accused of fatally stabbing Aria on 15 December last year.
Little Girl Found Dead After Single Stab Wound
Aria was discovered lifeless at her home in Mead Vale, with police arriving at 6:09pm to a chilling scene. A coroner confirmed she died from one stab wound to the chest, igniting grief and shock throughout the local community.
Trial Date Set as Family Mourns
At Bristol Crown Court on 27 March, the accused simply entered his not guilty plea. The trial is slated to start on 15 June and is expected to last two weeks, prosecutor Ray Tully KC revealed.
“A brave, kind-hearted and beautiful innocent soul,” said Aria’s father, Tom Thorpe.
Relatives on her mother’s side described Aria as “the most beautiful little soul – happy-go-lucky, full of light and joy.”
Defendant Arrested Quickly, Identity Ban Remains
The teenager was arrested just 10 minutes after Aria’s death in nearby Worle at 6:19pm. Judge Martin Picton confirmed the gag order protecting his identity remains in force. The boy will remain in custody until his trial begins.
