The family of nine-year-old Aria Thorpe have expressed heartbreak and frustration after a 16-year-old boy was acquitted of murder and manslaughter charges following her fatal stabbing in Weston-super-Mare.
Aria died on December 15 after being fatally stabbed at her home. The defendant, who was 15 at the time, told the court he picked up a kitchen knife intending only to “scare” Aria during play, claiming the fatal wound was accidental as he mimicked fencing motions.
Bristol Crown Court found the boy not guilty on Thursday, June 25. However, Aria’s family have publicly condemned the verdict, describing the pain and injustice they continue to endure.
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Aunt Katie Thorpe wrote on Facebook: “How is this justice? What message does this send to society when a child loses her life in such a horrific way and no one is held accountable? The UK faces an epidemic of knife crime, and cases like this make families question the consequences.”
She continued, “Aria was just nine years old. Instead of making memories and dreaming of the future, our family now carries an unending grief. We’ve been handed a life sentence, while the person responsible walks free. We will never stop fighting for justice or loving our beautiful girl. Rest in peace, Aria. Forever nine.”
Aria’s father, Tom Thorpe, expressed his disbelief on social media, contrasting the legal consequences for accidental car crashes against those for fatal stabbings, questioning how the law views Aria’s tragic death.
Court evidence revealed the boy did not check on Aria after the stabbing, failed to raise an alarm, and instead walked to Worle railway station where he admitted to a group of children that he had killed her. Police intercepted the boy when attempting to flee on a train.
Uncle Sam Thorpe said: “I am truly angry at the justice system. This verdict risks telling others they can get away with such acts. Our family has served this country and trusted the law, but now we feel completely let down and deeply distraught.”
Detective Inspector Neil Meade of Avon and Somerset Police paid tribute to Aria, describing her as a joyful girl surrounded by loving family. He acknowledged the family’s courage through the traumatic trial and requested their privacy be respected.
The jury’s decision was based on the presented evidence that the boy inflicted the fatal wound during play-fighting and did not intend harm, ultimately leading to his acquittal. Legal restrictions prevent naming the minor involved.
Trial Judge Mrs Justice O’Farrell thanked the jury for their careful and calm deliberation during this distressing case, acknowledging the sensitivity required to undertake such a difficult task.