The devastated mother of 12-year-old Leo Ross has spoken of her unimaginable grief, declaring that her life will never be the same after her son was fatally stabbed on his way home from school in a senseless attack. Her poignant words come as the 15-year-old perpetrator has pleaded guilty to murder, bringing a painful chapter in a Birmingham community's life before the courts.
A Life Stolen: A Family's Unending Grief
Rachel Fisher, Leo's birth mother, has described her son as "the sweetest, most kind-hearted boy" who "didn't have a bad bone in his body." In an emotional statement, she expressed the core of her anguish: "My baby's life was stolen for no reason whatsoever. My life will never be the same again without him. He will be loved and missed forever." This sentiment is echoed by Leo's foster family, the Westons, who have been deeply impacted by the loss.
A Community United in Sorrow and Memory
The Westons shared their own heartfelt tribute, stating: "Not a day goes by where we don’t think about Leo. His loss has impacted us deeply and his absence is felt constantly." They remembered Leo as a uniquely compassionate child: "He was the sweetest, kindest boy who put others before himself. He was loved by all that knew him, he made friends with everyone he met, young or old. He was wise beyond his years, full of knowledge and facts, full of life. A life cut short by a senseless act."
While acknowledging the judicial process, the family emphasised that no outcome can truly compensate for their loss. "We hope justice is served and we can get some closure," they said, "whatever the outcome, it still does not give Leo his life back, the life he truly deserved to live to its fullest."
Police Investigation Reveals a Tragic, Unprovoked Attack
Detective Inspector Joe Davenport, who led the investigation, characterised the incident as a heartbreaking and senseless attack on a completely innocent young boy. "Leo was just walking home from school when he was the victim of an entirely unprovoked attack," DI Davenport stated. "Because of this boy's actions, Leo and his family have been robbed of the life he could have lived."
Gratitude Amidst the Grief
The detective extended thanks to the community members whose efforts were crucial. "I'd like to thank the members of the community who tried to save Leo's life, as well as the paramedics at the scene," he said. He also praised the public response to police appeals, which proved vital in piecing together the events leading to Leo's death. "Thanks to the public, who responded to our appeals for information and provided witness accounts and images, we were able to piece together the events which led to Leo's death."
Concluding his remarks, DI Davenport said: "Our thoughts remain with Leo's family and we hope they can gain some closure knowing justice has been done." The case has cast a long shadow over the local area, uniting residents in mourning for a young life ended far too soon and sparking broader conversations about youth safety and violence.
