Man, 27, charged with murder after stabbings

Tributes to university worker Jacob Billington, who was killed

A 27-year-old man has been charged with murder and seven counts of attempted murder after a series of stabbings in Birmingham.

Zephaniah McLeod will appear at the city’s magistrates’ court today following knife attacks which resulted in the death of Jacob Billington on Sunday, West Midlands Police said.

The force declared a major incident after Mr Billington was killed and seven other people were stabbed during a rampage in the city centre spanning some 90 minutes.

Two of the victims remain in a critical condition – with one, a 22-year-old woman, now critical but stable.

Detective Chief Inspector Jim Munro, leading the investigation, said: “Since these tragic events unfolded in the early hours of Sunday morning we’ve had a team of officers working non-stop on the investigation.

“Our driving focus is to secure justice for the victims, their family and friends. Our sympathies remain with everyone who’s been impacted by these terrible crimes.

“Our investigation continues and I would urge any witnesses who’ve not yet spoken to us, or anyone with information they feel could help, to get in touch.”

Suzanne

Llewellyn, deputy chief crown prosecutor of Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) West Midlands, said: “Following an incident in Birmingham city centre in the early hours of September 6 2020, the CPS has authorised West Midlands Police to charge Zephaniah McLeod with one count of murder and seven counts of attempted murder.

“This decision was made following careful consideration of the evidence presented to us by West Midlands Police as a result of their ongoing investigation.

“Our thoughts remain with the families and friends of the victims affected in this incident.”

Earlier yesterday, tributes were paid to university worker Mr Billington.

His devastated family said he was the “light of our life”, in a statement issued through police.

The 23-year-old had been working as a library intern at Sheffield Hallam University, after graduating there, and was also a drummer in a band.

A university spokesperson said: “Jacob was a Sheffield Hallam graduate and had joined the library as a graduate intern, where his warmth and enthusiasm made him a greatly valued member of our team.”

Mr Billington, from Crosby, Merseyside, had been in the city with friends to celebrate with one of their number who was studying in Birmingham.