A jury has found a 16-year-old boy not guilty of the murder and manslaughter of nine-year-old Aria Thorpe, bringing an emotional trial at Bristol Crown Court to a close.
The teenager, who cannot be identified because of his age, had denied both charges following the death of Aria at her home in Weston-super-Mare on 15 December 2025. Jurors returned unanimous not guilty verdicts after hearing evidence over several weeks.
Medical evidence presented during the trial showed that Aria died from a single stab wound to the chest.
The defendant, who was 15 at the time of the incident, told the court the fatal injury occurred during what he described as playful fencing while the pair were playfighting. He said he had been holding a knife and leaned forward to make Aria flinch when she unexpectedly moved towards him, causing the blade to enter her chest.
His defence argued the incident was a tragic accident and that while the teenager had exercised poor judgment, he had no intention of harming or killing the nine-year-old.
Following the incident, the teenager left the house and walked towards Worle Railway Station. He told the jury he panicked and became frightened after realising what had happened. The court also heard that he had been expelled from school earlier that day and that his mobile phone had been confiscated by his mother as punishment, leaving him unable to call emergency services.
Aria was later discovered by Ollie Sheppard, who was temporarily staying at the family home. He initially believed she was joking before noticing blood on her school uniform. Emergency responders attempted to save her life, but she was pronounced dead shortly before 7 p.m.
During the trial, Aria’s mother, Victoria Hull, recalled leaving her daughter at home before heading to work an evening shift. She said Aria had been in good spirits after attending dance class and remembered their final exchange before leaving the house.
Following her death, Aria’s family described her as a bright, joyful and loving child whose loss had left them devastated. Her father also paid tribute to her, calling her a “special little angel” whose life ended far too soon.
After the verdict, Avon and Somerset Police Detective Inspector Neil Mead praised Aria’s family for their courage throughout the investigation and trial, saying they had shown remarkable strength during an incredibly difficult period.
