Murder suspect, 27, is remanded in custody after blade rampage through the streets of Birmingham

A man accused of knifing a student to death and attempting to kill seven other people in a stabbing rampage in Birmingham has been remanded in custody today.

Zephaniah McLeod, 27, spoke only to confirm his personal details during a five-minute appearance before two magistrates today.

The suspect, who appeared from Birmingham’s Perry Barry custody block, was remanded to appear by videolink at the city’s Crown Court tomorrow. 

McLeod, of Selly Oak, Birmingham, appeared over a videolink because of routine Covid-19 safety measures operating in court. He wore a light grey T-shirt and routinely rubbed his face, forehead and ears with his hands. 

The defendant has been charged with murder and seven counts of attempted murder following the incidents, West Midlands Police said.  

The force declared a major incident after Jacob Billington was killed and seven others were stabbed during a rampage on Sunday spanning 90 minutes. Two victims are in a critical condition – with one, a 22-year-old woman, now stable.

A post mortem concluded Jacob died as a result of a stab wound to the neck after being attacked while visiting a school friend studying in the city. 

McLeod was asked for his date of birth several times, before eventually confirming the details to the court clerk.

During the hearing, the court clerk read out the details of the charges faced by McLeod, who was not asked for any pleas.

The court heard the alleged victims of the attempted murder charges are Dimitar Bachvarov, Migle Dolobauskaite, Thomas Glassey, Michael Callaghan, Shane Rowley, Rhys Cummings and Ryan Bowers.

Adjourning the proceedings, chairman of the bench David Warner told the court: ‘Before we retire, I would just like to express the court’s sympathy with everybody who has been affected by these tragic events.’

A spokesman for West Midlands Police previously said: ‘We’ve charged a man with the murder of Jacob Billington, who was one of eight people stabbed in Birmingham city centre in the early hours of Sunday.

‘Zephaniah McLeod, 27, of Selly Oak, Birmingham, is also accused of the attempted murder of the seven other victims of the knife attacks.

‘McLeod will appear before Birmingham Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday morning.’

The police statement said a post mortem examination concluded that Mr Billington died as a result of a stab wound to the neck.

Jacob, 23, died after being attacked in Irving Street while enjoying a night out with school friends from Liverpool visiting one of their group in Birmingham. 

A 23-year-old man, who was seriously injured in Irving Street, remains in hospital in a critical condition. 

A 22-year-old woman, attacked in Hurst Street, remains in a critical but stable condition in hospital.

Another man, aged 30, remains in a serious condition in hospital, while four others have been discharged.

Detective Chief Inspector Jim Munro is leading the investigation. He 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.’