A teenager from Birmingham is set to be sentenced for the murder of 12-year-old Leo Ross in what authorities have described as a completely random and unprovoked attack. The 15-year-old defendant, who cannot be named for legal reasons, will appear before Mr Justice Choudhury KC at court on Tuesday, February 10, for a hearing expected to last the entire day.
Details of the Tragic Incident
Leo Ross, a schoolboy from Birmingham, was fatally stabbed in the stomach on January 21, 2025, while walking home from Christ Church, Church of England Secondary Academy in Yardley Wood. The attack occurred on a riverside path in Shire Country Park, Hall Green, Birmingham. Despite being rushed to hospital, Leo tragically succumbed to his injuries.
Family's Heartbreaking Tribute
In the aftermath of his death, Leo's family paid an emotional tribute, describing him as an "amazing, kind, loving" boy. Investigators confirmed that Leo had no prior connection to his attacker, with senior officers believing he was the victim of a completely random and unprovoked stabbing.
Court Proceedings and Additional Charges
The teenager pleaded guilty to killing Leo at a hearing last month. In addition to the murder charge, he admitted two counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent on January 19 and 20, 2025, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm on January 21 in relation to separate attacks on other victims. He also admitted possessing a bladed article on the day he killed Leo.
The defendant denied assault occasioning actual bodily harm on October 22, 2024, and assault by beating on December 29, 2024, in relation to two further victims. These charges were ordered to lie on file.
Police Investigation Findings
West Midlands Police revealed disturbing details about the defendant's behaviour following the murder. The teenager initially pretended to be an innocent witness, falsely claiming to officers at the scene that he had stumbled across Leo lying fatally injured beside the River Cole. He told police he had raised the alarm by alerting others.
Investigators stated that the defendant "got a kick out of seeing the chaos he'd created" unfold around him. Police inquiries established that the knife used to kill Leo was thrown into a nearby river. It is also believed that the teen had previously hunted down and attacked several women in local parkland.
Background of the Defendant
The defendant was aged 14 at the time of the murder. His sentencing marks the culmination of a case that has shocked the Birmingham community and raised serious questions about youth violence and random attacks in public spaces.
