A nine-year-old girl died from a single stab wound to her chest at home, an inquest has heard.
Aria Thorpe was pronounced dead by paramedics at 6.58pm on 15 December at the property in Weston-Super-Mare, Somerset.
A 15-year-old boy, who cannot be identified because of his age, appeared before Bristol Crown Court last month charged with her murder.
Coroner’s officer Andrew Eastwood told Avon Coroners’ Court on Friday that Aria “died at her home address from a stab wound to her chest”.
Dr Peter Harrowing, the area coroner for Avon, directed that the full post-mortem report should be provided by 16 February.
He listed Aria’s family and the alleged perpetrator as people interested in the case.
“Because other proceedings are ongoing, I shall not list this matter for an inquest but list it for a review date on April 10,” Dr Harrowing said.
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The coroner said the review date was not for a court hearing.
He said any further coronial proceedings would be “subject to the outcome of any police investigation or criminal proceedings that may follow”.
Paying tribute after her death, Aria’s family on her mother’s side said: “For those who didn’t have the privilege of knowing Aria, she was the most beautiful little soul – happy-go-lucky, full of light, and joy.”
“The loss of Aria has devastated us beyond words. Our hearts are broken in a way we never imagined possible,” they added.
“As a family, we are holding one another close and doing everything we can to support each other through this unimaginable time.”
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Aria’s father Tom Thorpe said: “You were such a brave, kind-hearted and a beautiful innocent soul. You always put a smile on people’s faces with your wacky ways and just outright madness.
“You always found it so easy to show your affection to others and ensure others around you were happy and never bored.”
“You will be greatly missed, you special little angel. A life gone far too early but I hope a life lived well. We all love you dearly. Goodnight darling,” he added.
Avon and Somerset Police were called to the Mead Vale area of Weston-super-Mare by paramedics at 6.09pm on 15 December.
Judge Peter Blair KC, the Recorder of Bristol, has set a provisional date of 15 June this year for the alleged perpetrator’s trial, which is expected to last two weeks.
