Teenager denies murdering Aria Thorpe, 9, in Weston-super-Mare

A 16-year-old boy has denied the murder of nine-year-old Aria Thorpe, who died in Weston-super-Mare in December 2025.

The teenager, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, is accused of killing Aria after emergency services were called to the Mead Vale area at 6:09pm on 15 December. She was later pronounced dead at the scene.

A previous hearing at Avon Coroner’s Court was told that Aria died from a single stab wound to the chest at her home.

During a hearing at Bristol Crown Court on Friday, 27 March, the defendant entered a plea of “not guilty” when the charge was put to him.

Prosecutor Ray Tully KC confirmed that the case is scheduled to go to trial on 15 June, with proceedings expected to last around two weeks.

Andrew Langdon KC represented the defence at the brief 20-minute hearing. Judge Martin Picton ruled that reporting restrictions will remain in place, preventing the boy from being named due to his age.

Following her death, Aria’s father, Tom Thorpe, described her as “a brave, kind-hearted and beautiful innocent soul.” Her maternal family paid tribute to her as “the most beautiful little soul—happy-go-lucky, full of light and joy.”

The boy has been remanded in custody and is due to stand trial at Bristol Crown Court on 15 June 2026.

Photo: Family Provided