Ava White's killer was locked up for a minimum of 13 years on Monday (July 11).
The 12-year-old was fatally stabbed in the neck in Liverpool city centre on November 25, 2021. Her killer, aka Boy A, from South Liverpool, was convicted of murder in May and was sentenced today, but cannot be named for legal reasons.
Then aged 14, he stabbed the Year 8 Notre Dame Catholic College pupil with a flick knife after an argument about him filming her on Snapchat. In the days, weeks and months after Ava's death, tributes flooded in.
READ MORE: Family sobs in court as Ava White's murderer locked up for life
The day after Ava was killed, Peter Duffy - Head Teacher of Notre Dame Catholic College - said: “Ava was a much loved, valued and unique member of the Notre Dame family. She was an incredibly popular girl with a fantastic group of friends.
“Our deepest thoughts and prayers go out to Ava’s family and friends and all those affected by this utterly tragic event. My staff are working with students to provide all the support they need at this traumatic time."
In the days after her death, tributes and flowers were left on Church Street in memory of Ava. One bunch of flowers with a card was left by Ava's friends. The card said how much they loved the 12-year-old, how they were going to miss Ava and their shock at what happened.
In December 2021, Ava's dad Robert Martin said that the family were "heartbroken". He said: “We would like to say thank you to everybody for their ongoing support during this devastating time.
“Thank you to every one of you for your kind messages and donations. As Ava’s family we are completely devastated and heartbroken by what has happened and we ask that you respect our privacy at this time and allow us to grieve as a family.”
On December 23, 2021, mourners gathered at Liverpool's Catholic Cathedral to remember Ava. Photographs of the schoolgirl covered her coffin, which arrived in a white horse-drawn carriage after a procession through Liverpool - arriving at the Cathedral to a round of applause.
In an emotional speech at the service, which was open to the public and media, Archbishop Malcolm McMahon said that there was "little sadder in life than the death of a child". He added: "The grief we are experiencing today is overwhelming, so my deepest sympathy, and that of the Catholic Community, goes out to Ava's family and her friends."
He went on to say that the memories will 'continue to live in your hearts'. Thousands of people across Liverpool came together to pay tribute to Ava on the day of her funeral.
One ECHO reader said: "I think this little girl has touched every heart in Liverpool. Such a sad tragic not needed attack. God love her family today.
"Wrap your arms around them god and keep them safe until they reunite together again. Thinking of her mum, dad, sister and extended family and Friends. Keep by their side today Ava."
Speaking after the service, the Archbishop described the funeral as "terribly moving and emotional". He said it was "totally difficult to find the right words" as there were "no words to express this tragic loss".
Speaking to the media, he said: "The turnout today shows the unity and love we have here in Liverpool and that for Ava and her family.
In January 2022, on what would have been Ava's 13th birthday, her family held a balloon release at Liverpool FC's Anfield Stadium. The crowd, mainly made up of schoolchildren, brought along balloons of the figure 13 or the letter A.
On the day of Boy A's sentencing, Merseyside Police released a video of Leanne White - Ava's mother - paying tribute to her daughter. She said: "Ava was a good baby, she never cried, she never moaned - she was always happy, a bubbly, outgoing, the life and soul of the party little girl.
"She loved swimming, gymnastics, she loved travelling, she loved the fair, she loved the water parks, just very outgoing. Football as well, she won trophies for football.
" The effect on my family is that I can’t see my nieces and nephews any more, we can’t celebrate anything as a family, it’s just too painful and hurtful without Ava.
"It’s had a deep impact on her friends, her friends witnessed, that night, things that no child should ever witness. Even the adults that came to Ava’s aid on that night, it’s had a deep impact on them as well."
Leanne added: " Ava’s memories will always be alive in my family. She’s everywhere in my house, she’s everywhere with me and there’s not one conversation I have that Ava’s not involved in. "
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