A 15-year-old boy has been charged in the death of nine-year-old Aria Thorpe, who was found inside a Weston-super-Mare home on Dec. 15. Emergency services arrived shortly after a call at about 6:10 p.m.; a preliminary post-mortem found Aria died from a single stab wound. The suspect, who cannot be named because he is a child defendant, appeared at Bristol Magistrates’ Court on Dec. 17 and is due at Bristol Crown Court on Friday. Police are supporting the family and have asked the public for privacy while the investigation continues.
15-Year-Old Charged After Death Of 9-Year-Old Aria Thorpe In Weston-super-Mare
Ben Birchall/PA Images via GettyPolice and foresnsics near the scene in Lime Close, in the Mead Vale area of Weston-super-Mare, Somerset on Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025
A 15-year-old boy has been charged in connection with the killing of nine-year-old Aria Thorpe, who was found dead inside a home in Weston-super-Mare, Somerset, on Monday, Dec. 15.
Avon and Somerset Police said emergency services were called to a property on Lime Close shortly before 6:10 p.m. The first officer reached the address within three minutes, but Aria was pronounced dead at the scene. A short time later, a 15-year-old boy was arrested in the Worle area; because he is a child defendant his name cannot be published.
Ben Birchall/PA Images via GettyPolice near the scene in Lime Close, in the Mead Vale area of Weston-super-Mare, Somerset on Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025
Police Findings And Court Appearances
A post-mortem examination gave a preliminary finding that Aria’s death was caused by a single stab wound. The suspect appeared at Bristol Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, Dec. 17, and is due to appear at Bristol Crown Court on Friday for the next stage of the legal process.
“This remains an incredibly difficult time for Aria’s family, who we continue to support and update around our investigation,” Superintendent Jen Appleford said. “It is impossible to adequately describe how traumatic the past 36 hours have been for them and we’d like to reiterate in the strongest possible terms their request for privacy.”
Community Reaction
The loss has deeply affected the local community. Neighbours and friends described Aria as a "lovely little girl" who loved styling her hair, fashion and makeup. Reports say she had run a YouTube channel with a friend and had been earning money by cleaning cars. Neighbour Tamara Taylor, whose daughter was best friends with Aria, said the girls were often together and that Aria had celebrated her ninth birthday with a K-pop themed party only two weeks earlier.
Ben Birchall/PA Images via GettyPolice near at the scene in Lime Close, in the Mead Vale area of Weston-super-Mare, Somerset on Dec. 16, 2025
Aria lived with her mother, Victoria Hull, and older siblings, and was a pupil at Becket Primary School. Avon and Somerset Police have asked for privacy for the family as inquiries and court processes continue. PEOPLE and other outlets have contacted the police and the school for comment.
Ongoing Investigation
Police are continuing to investigate and have appealed for anyone with information to come forward. Because legal processes are live and the suspect is a minor, authorities are limited in what they can disclose publicly at this stage.
