A teenager has admitted murdering 12-year-old schoolboy Leo Ross, who was fatally stabbed in the stomach in a Birmingham park, leaving his local community devastated and in mourning.
A Senseless Killing That Shook a Community
This senseless killing has become seared in the hearts and minds of the Hall Green community. Leo Ross had finished school and was on his way home, turning to walk along a riverside path in the Shire Country Park. It was at this beauty spot where the slightly built 12-year-old was pounced upon by his then 14-year-old killer and stabbed to death.
An Outpouring of Grief and Tributes
In the weeks and months that followed, there was a tremendous outpouring of grief and soul-searching, particularly among the student body at Christ Church C of E Secondary Academy. A shrine of flowers and football scarves built up at the scene, with churches holding memorial services for the anguished and bereft. Walkers would frequently stop in reflection at the location, exchanging stories and paying their respects.
Kanwal Bogayle's White Lotus Flower Shop, located just a stone's throw from the murder scene, became a focal point for the community's mourning. She described how broken-hearted parents and crying schoolchildren had been pouring into her shop on the junction of Scribers Lane and Priory Road to purchase tributes for Leo.
Remembering 'Quiet' Leo
Mrs Bogayle remembers 'quiet' Leo walking past her shop regularly and was deeply shocked when she recognised his face appearing on the news. Speaking after the verdict, she observed significant changes in community behaviour, stating: "I believe parents are more cautious about this and with the children's safety. Because quite a lot of kids were using this pathway to go to the other side. I haven't seen many kids now on this side so they are more cautious about that."
She added: "It's so, so sad that an innocent life is just gone. Parents were really emotional about it. I think I had people coming from different towns to buy tributes. A couple of mothers...they bought flowers, they wrote notes to Leo and they took them there. People came from quite far, from London side just to pay a little tribute to him."
Legal Proceedings Continue
The defendant, who cannot be named for legal reasons, will be sentenced on 10 February 2026 at Birmingham Crown Court. The case has highlighted ongoing concerns about youth violence and community safety in the area, with residents calling for greater protection for young people using public spaces.
