Teenager Gets At Least 13 Years for Killing 12-Year-Old Leo Ross

A young person has been sentenced to at least 13 years in prison for killing 12-year-old Leo Ross. Leo was stabbed in Shire Country Park in Birmingham. The court heard the attack was random and the teenager also committed other violent acts.
By Newsroom | Crime, Birmingham |

The sentencing of a teenager for the murder of 12-year-old Leo Ross brings a period of legal proceedings to a close, marking a minimum 13-year term of custody for the convicted individual. Leo Ross died on January 21, 2025, after being stabbed in Shire Country Park, Hall Green, Birmingham. The case has drawn significant public attention due to the victim's young age and the perceived random nature of the attack.

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Circumstances of the Fatal Incident

Leo Ross was stabbed in the stomach while walking along a riverside path in Shire Country Park. He was taken to hospital but died from his injuries a few hours later. West Midlands Police identified a then-14-year-old boy as the perpetrator. The attack is believed by senior officers to have been random and unprovoked, with no apparent connection between Leo and his attacker. The convicted teenager admitted to murdering Leo at a hearing in January.

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Key facts identified

  • Victim: Leo Ross, 12 years old.

  • Date of Death: January 21, 2025.

  • Location: Shire Country Park, Hall Green, Birmingham.

  • Cause of Death: Stab wound to the stomach.

  • Perpetrator: A teenager, 14 at the time of the attack.

  • Admission: Murder.

  • Sentencing: Minimum of 13 years in custody.

Additional Offenses and Attendant Behavior

The teenager convicted of Leo Ross's murder also admitted to other violent acts in the days preceding the fatal stabbing. These include an attempt to drown an 82-year-old woman by pushing her into a ditch, and attacking two other elderly women. The court heard that the convicted youth also possessed a bladed article on the day he killed Leo.

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During the investigation, the teenager remained at the scene of Leo's death and spoke with officers, falsely claiming he had discovered Leo fatally injured. Medical professionals reportedly considered the possibility of schizophrenia in the defendant.

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Additional criminal actions

  • Attempted to drown an 82-year-old woman.

  • Attacked two other elderly women.

  • Possessed a bladed article on the day of Leo's murder.

  • Falsely claimed to have discovered the victim at the scene.

Judicial Remarks and Sentencing Details

At the sentencing hearing, Mr Justice Choudhury KC presided over the court. The judge stated that the convicted individual had "robbed Leo of his life and his future." The sentence handed down is a minimum of 13 years. The court noted that 379 days already served in custody would be deducted from this term. The remainder of the sentence will be served on license.

"You robbed Leo of his life and his future." - Justice Choudhury KC

"Our focus remains on remembering who Leo was, not how he was taken from us." - Statement from Leo Ross's family

Defense and Prosecution Submissions

During the sentencing proceedings, submissions were made by both the prosecution and the defense. The defense barrister indicated surprise that the defendant had not been diagnosed with schizophrenia, referencing claims by the youth of hearing voices. The prosecution, represented by Rachel Brand KC, outlined the details of the attacks.

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  • Defense: Suggested potential mental health issues, including auditory hallucinations.

  • Prosecution: Presented evidence of the attacks on Leo Ross and the elderly women.

Public and Family Reaction

The mother of Leo Ross expressed that her son's life "should be just beginning," highlighting the profound loss experienced by his family. The events have evoked a strong public response, with emphasis placed on the senselessness of the violence.

Family sentiment

  • Leo Ross's future, including first job, marriage, and children, was lost.

  • The family wishes to remember Leo for his positive impact.

Timeline of Events

  • January 21, 2025: Leo Ross is fatally stabbed in Shire Country Park, Birmingham. The perpetrator, then 14, also attacks an elderly woman on the same day.

  • Prior to January 21, 2025: The teenager attacks two other elderly women.

  • January 2026: The teenager pleads guilty to Leo Ross's murder at Birmingham Crown Court.

  • February 10, 2026: The teenager is sentenced to a minimum of 13 years in custody.

Sources

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who was Leo Ross?
Leo Ross was a 12-year-old boy who was killed in Shire Country Park in Birmingham.
Q: Why was the teenager sentenced?
The teenager was sentenced for murdering Leo Ross. He also attacked other people.
Q: How long will the teenager be in prison?
The teenager must stay in prison for at least 13 years.
Q: Was the attack planned?
Police believe the attack was random and not planned. There was no connection between the killer and Leo.
Q: Did the teenager do other bad things?
Yes, before killing Leo, the teenager tried to push an old woman into water and attacked two other older women. He also had a knife.