Teen jailed for murder of 12 year old school boy in Birmingham
Leo Ross was thought to have been making his way home from his school in Hall Green, when he was stabbed in January last year
Last updated 10th Feb 2026
A teenage boy has been detained for a minimum term of 13 years for the murder of 12-year-old Leo Ross in Birmingham.
The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty to the murder of Leo Ross, who was fatally stabbed in Hall Green in January last year.
Leo had been walking home from school via Scribers Lane on 21 January when he was approached by the boy, who stabbed him in the stomach.
He had been speaking to a friend on the phone and told them to meet him near a certain tree in Trittiford Mill Park.
His friend arrived at the meeting point, but Leo never did.
Leo was found lying on the ground a short time after his phone call to his friend, who called for an ambulance.
Members of the public and paramedics tried their best to save Leo's life, but he tragically died in hospital later that evening.
Leo's attacker had been in the area in the days leading up to the attack, where he had assaulted a number of people.
Immediately after stabbing Leo, he encountered one of Leo's friends, telling them "Your mate has just been stabbed" before riding back towards the scene.
While there, he told passers-by "if the police come, I've got to go", telling them to get out of his way "in case I have to run".
CCTV footage showed the boy riding home from the scene of the attack at high speeds.
Following local enquiries, officers identified the boy suspected of stabbing Leo, arresting him at his home later that evening.
The boy showed no remorse and gave no explanation during his interview, only saying "no comment" when asked about Leo's murder and the earlier assaults.
Detective Inspector Joe Davenport, who led the investigation, said: "This was a heartbreaking and senseless attack on a young boy who was completely innocent.
"Leo was just walking home from school when he was the victim of an entirely unprovoked attack.
"Because of this boy's actions, Leo and his family have been robbed of the life he could have lived.
"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.
"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.
"Our thoughts remain with Leo's family and we hope they can gain some closure knowing justice has been done."
Leo’s foster family, the Westons, said: "Not a day goes by where we don’t think about Leo.
"His loss has impacted us deeply and his absence is felt constantly.
"Leo 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.
"We hope justice is served and we can get some closure, whatever the outcome, it still does not give Leo his life back, the life he truly deserved to live to its fullest.
Leo’s birth mother Rachel Fisher added: "My son Leo was the sweetest, most kind-hearted boy. He didn't have a bad bone in his body.
"My baby's life was stolen for no reason what so ever.
"My life will never be the same again without him. He will be loved and missed forever."