The cause of death for nine-year-old Aria Thorpe has been confirmed as a single stab wound, a coroner has revealed, as a 15-year-old boy appeared in court charged with her murder.
Court Appearance and Community Shock
The teenage defendant, who cannot be named due to his age, appeared at Bristol Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, 17th December. Flanked by three dock officers and wearing a grey prison-issue tracksuit, he spoke only to confirm his name and address. His father attended the brief hearing.
District Judge Nicholas Wattam remanded the boy into custody. His next appearance will be at Bristol Crown Court on Friday. Avon and Somerset Police stated the teenager was arrested less than half an hour after they were alerted, having been found at Worle railway station, around thirty minutes from the crime scene.
Chief Superintendent Jen Appleford addressed the media, stating: "This remains an incredibly difficult time for Aria’s family... The tragic loss of such a young girl has caused a huge amount of shock and upset." She reiterated the family's request for privacy.
A Life Cut Tragically Short
Aria died at a house in Lime Close, Weston-super-Mare, on Monday teatime, just ten days before Christmas. Her mother, hairdresser Victoria Hull, who had previously described her children as "my world", has been left devastated.
In a heartfelt social media post, Aria's uncle, Ashley Nicholls, described the last day as "an absolute nightmare" and asked for privacy to mourn "the happiest, funniest little girl." The family's grief was echoed by Aria's aunt, Jordan Hull, who said they were in "extreme pain."
Tributes from friends have poured in. A heartbreaking note left outside her home read: "Aria thank you for playing with me." Just two weeks prior, Aria had celebrated her ninth birthday with a KPop Demon Hunters party, and the night before her death, she was excitedly discussing her Christmas wishlist with a best friend.
School and Political Response
Aria was a pupil at Becket Primary School in Weston-super-Mare. The school's Trust issued a statement saying their community was "devastated" and that they were working with agencies to provide support to children, staff, and families.
Weston-super-Mare MP Daniel Aldridge described Aria's death as an "utterly heartbreaking tragedy." Police confirmed they are working with partner agencies and schools across the Weston area to ensure those affected receive support.
Forensic officers remain at the scene in Lime Close as investigations continue. Police have thanked local residents for their patience and urged anyone with concerns to speak to officers at the cordon.
