Teen Boy Arrested for 9-Year-Old Girl’s Murder Weeks After Her Birthday

A community in England is grieving the devastating loss of a young girl whose life was cut short just weeks after celebrating her birthday. Aria Thorpe’s sudden death has left her family, friends, and neighbors reeling, as they try to make sense of an unimaginable tragedy.

Police have confirmed that a teenage boy has been arrested and charged in connection with Aria’s death. Avon and Somerset Police announced that a 15-year-old boy has been charged with her murder and appeared in court on December 17, 2025. Because he is a minor, his identity has not been released.

Emergency services were called to a home in Weston-super-Mare shortly after 6 p.m. on December 15. Police arrived minutes later, but Aria was pronounced dead at the scene. A post-mortem examination later determined that she died from a single stab wound.

During his first court appearance, the accused boy reportedly spoke only to confirm his name and address. The case remains ongoing as investigators continue their work.

Superintendent Jen Appleford described the situation as deeply traumatic for Aria’s family, saying officers are continuing to support them while also respecting their request for privacy. She added that police are working closely with local schools to ensure students and staff have access to support during this difficult time.

Aria’s school community has also been left heartbroken. Simon Marriott, chief executive of the Kaleidoscope Multi-Academy Trust, said students, staff, and families are struggling to process the loss of one of their pupils and that professional support is being made available.

As the investigation continues, tributes have poured in from those who knew Aria. Neighbors and friends have gathered to share memories, describing her as kind, driven, and full of life. She had recently started washing cars to earn extra money for clothes and ran a YouTube channel with a friend.

One neighbor, whose daughter was close friends with Aria, spoke of the pain of trying to explain the loss to a young child. Others noted how difficult it is for the family to face such a tragedy so close to the holidays.