A 15-year-old boy has been charged with the murder of a 9-year-old girl in Somerset, England. The Avon and Somerset Police confirmed in a press release that the boy appeared at Bristol Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, Dec. 17, just two days after the tragic incident took place. While formal identification is still pending, the victim has been identified as 9-year-old Aria Thorpe. The young girl was found deceased in a house in Weston-super-Mare on Monday. Emergency services responded to a call at a residence in Lime Close shortly before 6:10 p.m. local time, where Thorpe was pronounced dead at the scene, according to The Times.
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The suspect, whose identity has been protected as he is a minor, was apprehended in Worle shortly after the incident. A post-mortem examination revealed that Thorpe’s death was a result of a single stab wound. The Avon and Somerset Police, as well as Becket Primary School, have been contacted for further comment on the tragic event. The teenager accused of the crime made a brief appearance in court, confirming only his name and address. His next scheduled court appearance is set to be at the Bristol Crown Court on Friday.
Supt. Jen Appleford expressed the heart-wrenching circumstances surrounding the case, stating, “This remains an incredibly difficult time for Aria’s family, who we continue to support and update around our investigation.” The community has been deeply impacted by the loss, with Appleford noting, “The tragic loss of such a young girl has caused a huge amount of shock and upset, with there being a profound sense of loss felt throughout the community.” Friends and neighbors have described Thorpe as a “lovely little girl” who enjoyed styling her hair, fashion, makeup, and even ran a YouTube channel with a friend.
Close friend Tamara Taylor reminisced about Thorpe’s vibrant personality, describing her as “sassy for her age” and shared how her daughter was best friends with the young girl. The community has been left reeling from the shocking events, with Taylor contemplating the difficult task of informing her daughter about the loss of her friend. Aria Thorpe lived with her mother and older siblings, attended Becket Primary School, and had recently celebrated her 9th birthday with a KPop Demon Hunters party. The tragedy has left a profound impact on the local community, with an outpouring of support for the grieving family.
The news of this devastating incident has sent shockwaves through the region, prompting an outpouring of condolences and support for the family and friends of Aria Thorpe. As the investigation continues and the case progresses through the court system, the community remains united in grief over the loss of a young, vibrant life. The authorities are working diligently to ensure justice is served in this tragic case, while the memories of Aria Thorpe continue to be cherished by those who knew and loved her. The repercussions of this heartbreaking event will be felt for a long time to come, as the community grapples with the loss of a promising young life.