Aria Thorpe homicide replace after teen charged with killing nine-year-old lady
A teenager accused of the murder of nine year old Aria Thorpe is due to stand trial.
The 15-year-old boy, who cannot be identified due to his age, made an appearance at Bristol Crown Court on Friday. The defendant, appearing via video link from a youth detention centre, only spoke to confirm his name.
During a brief hearing, Judge Peter Blair KC, the Recorder of Bristol, pencilled in a provisional trial date for June 15, 2026. The trial is anticipated to span two weeks. Avon and Somerset Police were summoned to Lime Close in Weston-super-Mare just before 6.10pm on Monday, where young Aria had sustained a single stab wound.
(Image: PA)
The boy was apprehended in nearby Worle shortly afterwards.
At Bristol Crown Court, he was represented by Charley Pattison, while Ray Tully KC appeared for the prosecution.
His father was among those present in the public gallery. The teenager is expected to make his next court appearance on March 16, 2026.
It comes after Aria’s devastated family shared a heartbreaking photograph from her ninth birthday party.
Aria is seen beaming while donning a bright pink dress and tiara which reads “happy birthday” in the heart-wrenching picture.
She is surrounded by balloons and presents in the photo, taken just weeks before she was stabbed to death at the three-bedroom council house where she lived.
In another photo, she is seen beaming while wearing a headband with Minnie Mouse ears on. She was described by friends as a “sassy, fun-loving girl” who loved dressing-up.
The emotional images were released by Aria’s family via police. Her mother Victoria Hull, a former soldier and hairstylist, was said to be devastated. A large cordon remains in place around the house as forensic teams continue their inquiries.
A makeshift shrine has appeared at the edge of the cordon as well-wishers and friends leave flowers and tributes in Aria’s memory.
One card read: “Aria, thank you for playing with me. Lots of love to you, your sister and mum.”
