Not Guilty Verdicts Returned
A Bristol Crown Court jury has acquitted a 16-year-old male of charges of murder and manslaughter related to the passing of nine-year-old Aria Thorpe. The teenager, whose identity is protected due to his age, had been on trial following Aria's death in her home.
The Incident and Testimony
Aria Thorpe succumbed to a single stab wound to her chest at her residence in Weston-super-Mare on December 15, 2025, according to earlier testimony from a pathologist. During the trial, the accused asserted that the fatal injury occurred accidentally during a playfight with Aria. He informed the court that he was holding a knife and "waving" it, intending to make her flinch, stating, "I was going to try and make her flinch, so I leaned forward like I was fencing."
Aftermath and Family Tribute
Following the incident, the 16-year-old left the house and proceeded to Worle Railway Station, explaining that he did so out of fear and panic. Aria's family previously honored her memory, describing her as having a "lively and bubbly" personality.
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