A 15-year-old boy has pleaded guilty to the murder of 12-year-old Leo Ross, who was fatally stabbed while walking home from school in Birmingham. The teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, admitted the offence during a hearing at Birmingham Crown Court.

Leo had been making his usual short journey home from school in Yardley Wood on 21 January 2025 when he was attacked. He was stabbed in the stomach in Trittiford Mill Park while speaking to a friend on the phone, arranging to meet nearby. His friend arrived, but Leo never did. Members of the public rushed to help him and called emergency services, but despite their efforts, he later died in hospital. At just 12 years old, he is believed to be the youngest victim of knife crime in the West Midlands.

Police said the attack was completely random, with no connection between Leo and his attacker. After the stabbing, the boy remained at the scene and even spoke to officers, falsely claiming he had found Leo injured near the river. Investigators later recovered the knife from a nearby river, where it had been discarded.

The defendant, who was 14 at the time, also pleaded guilty to several other violent offences, including grievous bodily harm and assault against elderly victims in separate incidents. Authorities said he showed no remorse during questioning and offered no explanation for his actions.

Leo’s family described him as a kind and loving child who brought joy to everyone around him. His death has deeply affected his school and community. The teenager has been remanded in custody, with sentencing set for a later date.