Richard Price and Eleanor LawsonWest Midlands
West Midlands PoliceThe family of a woman who was fatally stabbed in the neck at a bus stop in Birmingham say she was the “shining light in their lives”.
Katie Fox, 34, was targeted in Smallbrook Queensway, just outside the Bullring shopping centre, shortly before 21:00 GMT on Friday, before dying in hospital on Monday.
Djeison Rafael, of Birmingham, has been charged with her murder and earlier appeared at the city’s crown court, via video link from HMP Long Lartin in Worcestershire.
In a tribute issued via the police, Ms Fox’s family said she was “special in every way” and called her their guardian angel.
They thanked everyone who has shown support, as well as the paramedics, police, and ITU team at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, “for their professionalism and companionship.”
Court appearance
At his court appearance, Mr Rafael sat forward, getting up briefly at one point before returning to his seat.
Wearing a grey jumper, the 21-year-old, of Rosedale Avenue in Smethwick, spoke only to confirm his name, during the 15-minute hearing in front of Judge Simon Drew.
Prosecution counsel Michael Brady said the trial, expected to last two weeks, would be heard in front of a High Court judge and a date was set for 5 May.
The court heard psychiatric reports would need to be gathered before a trial began and the defendant was told by the judge he would next need to appear to enter pleas.
The judge said: “Mr Rafael, I am adjourning your case and it will next be listed on 16 January.
“You can attend by prison video link from whatever prison you are in. I know you have recently been transferred.”
As well as the murder of Ms Fox, Mr Rafael is charged with two counts of causing actual bodily harm to Mariamo Sow on 27 October and to Hailing Du on 7 November as well as possession of a bladed article on 7 November and assaulting a detention escort officer on 8 November.
West Midlands Police has appealed for information from anyone who knows more about what happened.
