At a glance
- Katie Fox, 34, died after being stabbed in the neck during an unprovoked attack in Birmingham city centre
- Djeison Rafael, 21, has been charged with murder, two assaults, and possession of a blade following the incident
- Police are appealing for information, as friends and family pay tribute to Katie as a ‘beautiful soul’ taken too soon
A woman who died after being brutally stabbed in the neck in an “unprovoked” attack has been pictured for the first time.
Katie Fox, 34, was attacked in Birmingham city centre on Friday night and left fighting for her life in hospital.
Katie was surrounded by devastated family who prayed for a “miracle” at her bedside until she passed.
Djeison Rafael, 21, was initially charged with attempted murder on Saturday, while Katie remained in hospital.
But following the news of Katie’s sad death, Rafael was charged with murder in front of Birmingham Magistrates’ Court today.
Rafael was also charged with two further assaults and possession of a bladed article, according to West Midlands Police.
Heartbroken tributes have been made to remember Katie, including one from her hometown of Northfield, Birmingham. Fiona said: “This is shattering news and utterly heartbreaking for her family and everyone who knew her,
“Her family were at the hospital, doing a round the clock vigil, and praying for a miracle she would survive her injuries. But she sadly slipped away. Everyone is in total shock.”
She added: “How can this happen when a young woman out for a night, in the mid evening, gets stabbed in the neck. It is terrifying. Our streets are so unsafe.”
Another neighbour described how Katie’s family and boyfriend had raced to the hospital after the attack and had stayed at her bedside. He said: “We heard about the stabbing but had no idea until today that it was Kate. She as a lovely lady and didn’t deserve this.”
Katie was described as a “beautiful soul” by Cathy Crossley, from Arts All Over The Place, (AAOTP). She wrote: “Tragic news today that Katie Fox, partner of Gary Morris died after being stabbed on Friday Evening in Birmingham.
“She was a friend of AAOTP for many years and attended several events. We are all devastated and send so much love and support to Gary Morris, who is base [sic] player in our band ADHD.”
Melanie Cox Pryce wrote: “This is absolutely devastating to hear! Poor lady was in the wrong place at the wrong time.
“More needs to be done to help people feel safe again, more police on the streets and greater consequence for the crime.
“Sad for the family and friends.”
In a statement, West Midlands Police wrote: “A woman has sadly died after a stabbing in Birmingham on Friday night.
“A 34-year-old was taken to hospital with a serious injury to her neck after she was stabbed on Smallbrook Queensway shortly before 9pm.
“She has since tragically died in hospital. Our thoughts are with her loved ones and specially trained investigators are supporting her family.
“Djeison Rafael aged 21 has been charged in relation to the incident and has been remanded to appear at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court.
“Following the victim’s death, an application will made to amend the charges to reflect the change in the victim’s condition.
“Extra officers will be around Birmingham city centre to offer reassurance as we understand this is a worrying incident.”
Appearing before the court, Rafael was wearing a grey t-shirt and was supervised by two dock officers who removed his handcuffs.
The 21-year-old attempted to interrupt the six-minute hearing multiple times and was told to be quiet by District Judge John Bristow.
Rafael, who is from Rosedale Avenue in Smethwick, also faces charges of two counts of causing actual bodily harm on October 27 and November 7.
His further charges include possession of a Stanley blade on November 7 and assaulting a detention escort officer on November 8.
District Judge Bristow told Rafael: “I’m going to send you and your charges to the crown court on November 12.”
After the incident, several forensic tents were set up close to the scene as the road was cordoned off. From the street, two silver tents and a large blue evidential tent could be seen.
West Midlands Police has said it still wants to hear from anyone who has information on the alleged attack.
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