A teenage boy accused of murdering a nine-year-old girl has been granted the right to participate in the official inquest into her death, a coroner's court has heard.
Coroner Outlines Inquest Process
Aria Thorpe was declared dead at her home in the Mead Vale area of Weston-super-Mare, Somerset, on the evening of December 15. Police and paramedics were called to the address at 6.09pm but were unable to save her.
At a hearing to open the inquest at Avon Coroner's Court, coroner's officer Andrew Eastwood confirmed the medical cause of the young girl's death. 'Aria Thorpe died as a result of a stab wound to her chest,' he stated.
Area Coroner Dr Peter Harrowing directed that the full post-mortem report be provided by February 16. He formally listed the interested persons in the case as Aria's family and the alleged perpetrator, the 15-year-old defendant.
Criminal Proceedings Take Precedence
The suspect, who cannot be named due to his age, has already appeared at Bristol Crown Court charged with Aria's murder. Judge Peter Blair KC has set a provisional trial date for June 15 this year, with the case expected to last two weeks.
In light of the ongoing criminal case, Dr Harrowing adjourned the full inquest. He scheduled a review for April 10, clarifying this would not be a court hearing. 'Any further coronial proceedings would be subject to the outcome of any police investigation or criminal proceedings that may follow,' the coroner added.
A Family's Heartbreaking Tribute
In emotional statements released after her death, Aria's father, Tom Thorpe, described his daughter as a 'brave, kind-hearted and a beautiful innocent soul.' He recalled her 'wacky ways' and the joy she brought, including a cherished family trip to Disneyland.
'You will be greatly missed, you special little angel. A life gone far too early but I hope a life lived well,' he wrote.
Aria's maternal family said she was a 'happy-go-lucky' child 'full of light, and joy' who loved to sing, dance, and dress up. 'The loss of Aria has devastated us beyond words. Our hearts are broken in a way we never imagined possible,' they said, thanking the local community for its support.
The inquest will formally resume after the conclusion of the criminal trial at Bristol Crown Court.
