Charges Dropped Against Teenage Murder Suspect in Leo Ross Case

A 14-year-old boy, accused of murdering 12-year-old Leo Ross, has had two of six assault charges against him dropped following a court hearing. The boy, whose identity is protected due to his age, was not required to attend Birmingham Magistrates' Court, where a Youth Offending Team application for a 'non-court disposal' was approved for two counts of assaulting police officers. He still faces charges of murder, possession of a bladed article, and four remaining assault counts, with a court appearance scheduled for April 22. Leo was tragically stabbed in the stomach while walking home from school on January 21 and later died in hospital. His family described him as an “amazing, kind, loving” boy, and tributes have been paid in the community. The two officers involved in the incident were named as PC Dawson Jones and PC Jessica Wright.