Teenager not guilty of killing nine-year-old Aria Thorpe

A 16-year-old boy has been acquitted of the murder and manslaughter charges related to the death of a nine-year-old girl. The youth, whose identity remains protected due to his age, faced trial at Bristol Crown Court but was found not guilty on both counts by the jury.

The case concerned the tragic death of Aria Thorpe, who suffered a fatal stab wound to her chest at her home in Weston-super-Mare on December 15, 2025, as confirmed by a pathologist during the proceedings. In the aftermath, Aria’s family described her as having a “lively and bubbly” nature, paying tribute to her vibrant personality.

During the trial, the accused explained to the jury that the injury occurred during a playful scuffle. He testified that he had been “waving” a knife around in a manner intended to make Aria flinch, comparing his movements to fencing. The boy detailed, “I was going to try and make her flinch, so I leaned forward like I was fencing.”

Following the incident, the teenager left the house and walked to Worle Railway Station, a decision he attributed to feelings of fear and panic. The case concluded with the jurors delivering a verdict of not guilty for both murder and manslaughter charges against him

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