Family's Heartbreaking Tribute to 'Shining Light' Katie Fox
The devastated family of Katie Fox, a 34-year-old woman who died after being stabbed in the neck during an unprovoked attack at a Birmingham bus stop, have paid an emotional tribute to their 'shining light'. The fatal incident occurred on Friday night just metres away from Birmingham's New Street Station on Smallbrook Queensway.
Katie suffered a serious neck injury after being brutally attacked and was rushed to hospital. Despite medical efforts, she tragically passed away a few days later. Today, her grieving family released a picture through West Midlands Police alongside a moving tribute that read: 'Gone too soon Dear Katie, so beautiful and kind.'
Charges Launched Following Fatal Stabbing
Djeison Rafael, 21, of Rosedale Avenue in Smethwick, has been charged with Katie's murder. He appeared at Birmingham Crown Court via video link from HMP Long Lartin in Worcestershire, wearing a grey jumper and speaking only to confirm his name during the 15-minute hearing before Judge Simon Drew KC.
Rafael was remanded in custody and will next appear in court on January 16. In addition to the murder charge, he faces two counts of causing actual bodily harm to Mariamo Sow on October 27 and to Hailing Du on November 7, possession of a Stanley blade on November 7, and assaulting a detention escort officer on November 8.
Third Stabbing in Birmingham City Centre in Over a Month
This tragic attack marks the third reported stabbing in Birmingham city centre in just over a month. The location, close to the Bullring shopping centre, has raised concerns about city centre safety. In October, two 17-year-old boys were knifed outside a Primark store within the space of a week, with about ten men reportedly involved in a fight near the city's famous bronze bull sculpture before one assault.
West Midlands Police have issued a plea for information and described Rafael as a black British national, believed to be wearing an all-grey tracksuit, black hat, trainers and rucksack on Friday evening. Detective Inspector James Nix stated: 'We believe this was an unprovoked attack and are working to understand why it happened.'
The family expressed their gratitude to paramedics, police and intensive care staff at Birmingham's Queen Elizabeth Hospital for their 'professionalism and companionship' during this difficult time. They have requested privacy to grieve the loss of their 'most precious daughter'. Katie had previously lived with her family in Northfield, Birmingham, and her family are believed to be in the process of moving to Devon.
