‘Quiet’ woman stabbed in ‘unprovoked attack’ at Birmingham bus stop

Tributes to the victim of an ‘unprovoked’ attack in Birmingham City Centre have spoken of her ‘quiet’ nature.

Katie Fox, 34, died of serious neck injuries ahead of suspect Djeison Rafael, 21, making his first appearance in court.

Neighbours described Katie as a ‘nice girl’ who lived in the area for around two decades.

A family friend told The Mail today: ‘It’s too soon to talk. They are all in total shock. It’s horrible.’

Cathy Crossley, from Arts All Over The Place (AAOTP), wrote a touching tribute online: ‘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 the bass player in our band ADHD.’

Another friend Jodie Barker said on Facebook: ‘I’m really sorry this happened to you.

‘I know for a fact Katie wouldn’t have ever said anything to whoever killed her.

‘She was one of the good people and yet it always happens to the quiet and good people who are getting on with life and being happy.’

Appearing in court today, accused killer Rafael wore a grey t-shirt and was flanked by two dock officers who removed his handcuffs as he faced District Judge John Bristow.

Rafael was told to be quiet and look forward as he interrupted the six-minute hearing multiple times.

Rafael is also charged with two counts of causing actual bodily harm on October 27 and November 7, possession of a Stanley blade on November 7 and assaulting a detention escort officer on November 8.

Rafael was told he was not going to be asked to enter any pleas because the offences are too serious to be dealt with by the magistrates’ court.

District Judge Bristow told the defendant: ‘I’m going to send you and your charges to the crown court on November 12.’

West Midlands Police said Rafael is also charged with two further assaults and possession of a blade.

The stabbing happened outside of Boots, and is the third to have taken place in a month in the area.

The force said: ‘Extra officers will be around Birmingham city centre to offer reassurance as we understand this is a worrying incident.’

‘We are still keen to hear from anyone who knows more about what happened or the movements of Rafael, who we believe was wearing an all-grey tracksuit, black hat, trainers and rucksack on Friday evening (7 November).’

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