Teenager, 14, charged with murder of schoolboy Leo Ross as family pay tribute
A teenager has been charged with the murder of a 12-year-old as his family paid tribute to their “amazing, kind, loving boy”.
West Midlands Police today charged a 14-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, with the murder of Leo Ross and a series of other charges.
Leo, a pupil at Christ Church Church of England Secondary Academy, died on Tuesday after being stabbed in the stomach as he walked home through the Hall Green area of Birmingham.
He was found wounded on a road by a member of the public at about 3pm in Shire Country Park, near Scribers Lane. He was taken to hospital but did not survive his injuries.
The 14-year-old suspect was arrested hours after the attack and on Saturday West Midlands Police said he was charged with Leo’s murder as well as six additional assaults which did not involve the use of the knife.
The assaults include an assault on a woman on Oct 22, two assaults on a police officer on Nov 26, a serious assault of a woman on Jan 19 and the same offence the next day.
He is also accused of assaulting a woman on Jan 21, the day of Leo’s death, and for possession of a bladed article.
The boy has been remanded into custody to appear at Birmingham magistrates’ court on Monday.
Police said specialist officers continued to support Leo’s family and they had informed them of the latest developments.
‘Truly missed’
In a statement released through police, Leo’s family said he would be “truly missed” and said the killing had taken “all our lives”.
“We want everyone to know what an amazing, kind, loving boy Leo was,” they said.
“Not only has Leo’s life been taken, all of our lives have as well.
“Leo will be truly missed by all of us. He was loved so much by everyone.
“The family want to thank the school, the police and everyone involved in the investigation and supporting us all through this horrific time.”