Avon and Somerset Police have named nine-year-old Aria Thorpe as the child who died from a single stab wound at a home in Weston-super-Mare on Monday 15 December. A 15-year-old boy has been charged with murder, appeared at Bristol Crown Court on Friday 19 December, and was remanded. A provisional trial date has been set for 15 June 2026.
Police said officers were called to Lime Close shortly before 6.10pm and arrested a 15-year-old in nearby Worle a short time later. Forensic work continues and tributes have been left at the scene. The force has asked that nothing be published which could identify the child defendant.
Family statements released via Avon and Somerset Police described Aria as a joyful and affectionate child who loved singing and dancing. Her father, Tom Thorpe, and maternal relatives expressed gratitude for community support during what they called an unimaginable time.
Procedurally, a murder charge against a child is first brought before magistrates and then sent to the Crown Court under section 51A of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998. In this case, the youth first appeared on Wednesday 17 December and then appeared before the Crown Court on Friday 19 December via video link. He is next due in court on 16 March 2026.
The defendant cannot be identified in reporting. In the youth court, anonymity is automatic under section 49 of the Children and Young Persons Act 1933; in the Crown Court, judges usually make discretionary orders under section 45 of the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999 restricting publication of any details likely to identify a person under 18.
Victims and witnesses who are under 18 can also receive court‑ordered anonymity for life under section 45A of the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999, where a judge considers it in the interests of justice and welfare. In this investigation, Aria’s identity was released by police with her family’s consent.
The youth has been remanded to youth detention. Courts may order such remands only when statutory conditions are met, including seriousness and necessity tests set out in the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012, after considering all alternatives such as bail or local authority accommodation.
On timelines, youth cases sent to the Crown Court carry a standard custody time limit of 182 days from sending, which courts can extend where strictly justified. Listing a June 2026 trial provides roughly a six‑month window from the initial sending in December 2025.
National knife-crime policy remains a live backdrop. ‘Zombie‑style’ knives and machetes were added to the list of prohibited weapons on 24 September 2024, with tougher penalties and wider police seizure powers set out by the Home Office. Ministers had trailed these steps earlier in 2024.
Locally, Avon and Somerset Police report increased prevention and education activity, including knife‑surrender schemes and Year 6 programmes, alongside targeted patrols. The force and regional media reported an 18% year‑on‑year fall in recorded knife crime ahead of the national Operation Sceptre week.