A 15-year-old boy has been charged with her murder
A nine-year-old girl, Aria Thorpe, tragically lost her life due to a single stab wound to her chest at her home in Weston-super-Mare, the opening of an inquest heard.
The “beautiful and kind” young girl was declared dead at the scene by paramedics at 6.58pm on December 15. Following this a 15-year-old boy, who cannot be identified due to his age, has been charged with murder.
Andrew Eastwood, a coroner’s officer, informed Avon Coroners’ Court: “The deceased died at her home address from a stab wound to her chest.”
Dr Peter Harrowing, the area coroner for Avon, requested that the full post-mortem report should be submitted by February 16. He identified interested parties in the case as Aria’s family and the alleged offender, reports Somerset Live.
Dr Harrowing stated: “Because other proceedings are ongoing, I shall not list this matter for an inquest but list it for a review date on April 10.”
The coroner clarified that the review date would not constitute a court hearing. He further noted that any subsequent coronial proceedings would be “subject to the outcome of any police investigation or criminal proceedings that may follow”.
The teenager accused of Aria’s murder made an appearance before Bristol Crown Court on December 17. Judge Peter Blair KC, the Recorder of Bristol, has provisionally scheduled the trial for June 15 this year, with the proceedings expected to span two weeks.
Avon and Somerset Police were alerted to the incident in the Mead Vale area of Weston-super-Mare by paramedics at 6.09pm on December 15.
In heartfelt tributes following her passing, Aria’s father Tom Thorpe said: “You were such a brave, kind-hearted and a beautiful innocent soul. You always put a smile on people’s faces with your wacky ways and just outright madness.
“You always found it so easy to show your affection to others and ensure others around you were happy and never bored!”.
“I’ll never ever forget our time in Disneyland as a family; seeing your face light up when we were watching the princess show was a picture that will last forever in our minds.
“Your other little family down here in Portsmouth will forever miss you.
“We’ll miss you begging to go outside, even in the pouring rain just to have as much fun as possible in the little time we had at weekends.
“You will be greatly missed, you special little angel. A life gone far too early but I hope a life lived well. We all love you dearly. Goodnight darling.”
Aria’s maternal family also shared their grief, stating: “For those who didn’t have the privilege of knowing Aria, she was the most beautiful little soul – happy-go-lucky, full of light, and joy.
“She loved to sing and dance, and she took such pride in dressing up, always wanting to look just like her mummy.
“The loss of Aria has devastated us beyond words. Our hearts are broken in a way we never imagined possible.
“As a family, we are holding one another close and doing everything we can to support each other through this unimaginable time.”
The family expressed that they have been “truly touched” by the outpouring of support from friends and the local community.
