Teen who murdered 12-year-old schoolboy Leo Ross sentenced

A teenager has been handed a life sentence with a minimum imprisonment period of 13 years after being convicted of the murder of 12-year-old Leo Ross. The tragic incident took place on 21 January 2025, when Leo was stabbed in the stomach while walking home from school in Birmingham. At the time of the attack, Leo had been on his way to meet a friend in a local park.

The accused, who was 14 years old during the crime, admitted to murder during a hearing at Birmingham Crown Court last month. In addition to the killing, he also confessed to several violent offenses committed against three elderly women shortly before Leo’s murder. These women suffered serious injuries after being pushed and struck, one even with her own walking stick.

During sentencing, Mr Justice Choudhury KC condemned the crimes as “horrific and shocking.” Leo’s foster family was visibly emotional as the judge delivered the life sentence. The teenager had initially tried to mislead police by asking a bystander to call them, claiming he had found Leo stabbed, and even spoke to officers at the scene while denying involvement. He was later detained after returning home by bike.

Leo’s death has been described as a “senseless and unprovoked act of violence,” with no evidence that the boy and his killer knew each other beforehand. Detective Inspector Joe Davenport, who led the investigation, called the crime “a tragic and random act” and referred to the defendant as a “truly dangerous individual.” The judge revealed the offender targeted Leo due to his smaller size and afterward rode around spreading the news of the stabbing, seemingly deriving satisfaction from the chaos caused. Leo’s family portrayed him as a loving, kind, and special boy whose loss has left a profound emptiness in their lives

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