A 15-year-old boy was sentenced to a minimum of 13 years in prison for murdering 12-year-old Leo Ross in Birmingham last year. Leo was stabbed in the stomach on 21 January 2025 while walking home from school in Yardley Wood. He later died in hospital. The attacker, who cannot be named, pleaded guilty last month. At Birmingham crown court, Justice Choudhury KC said the boy had been "engaged in a campaign of violence against several people" and called Leo's family's suffering a "living hell." "Leo was an innocent schoolboy, who was just on his way to meet a friend in the park ... you stabbed Leo with a knife and left him to die. Leo was only 12 years old," the judge said. "The devastation you have caused to so many lives is hard to comprehend and for those who knew and loved Leo, almost too great to bare. You have robbed Leo of his life and his future." The judge added the boy would only be released if the Parole Board deemed it safe. Detective Inspector Joe Davenport from West Midlands Police read a statement from Leo's foster family, the Westons. They said the sentence "does not bring justice in the way our hearts long for" and "our family will live with this pain forever." Leo’s mother, Rachel Fisher, called the 13-year sentence "a joke." She said, "These kids aren't scared. They're not worried. The local authority and the police have got a lot to answer for." In court, she called Leo "the most beautiful little soul" whose future was stolen. His father, Christopher Ross, said to the attacker, "Look up man ... You killed my son." Leo had no links to the attacker and was a victim of a random assault. The defense lawyer revealed the boy suffered serious mental health issues, including hearing voices and diagnoses of conduct disorder and ADHD. However, the judge noted the boy "knew and were aware of the consequences of your actions" and committed multiple violent attacks before Leo's murder. The 15-year-old had admitted two counts of grievous bodily harm with intent and other assault charges prior to the killing. He also admitted carrying a blade on the attack day. Two other assault charges were left on file after denial.