Woman who died after being stabbed in the neck in major UK city pictured for first time

A woman who was stabbed in Birmingham on Friday has been pictured for the first time. Katie Fox, 34, was rushed to hospital after an alleged attack at the Smallbrook Queensway shortly before 9pm on November 7.

On Monday morning, West Midlands Police said she had since sadly died. Djeison Rafael appeared at Birmingham Magistrates Court on Monday morning, accused of murder. Wearing a grey t-shirt and 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.

Tributes were paid online, with Cathy Crossley, from Arts All Over The Place, (AAOTP), writing: "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 the bass player in our band ADHD."

Melanie Cox Pryce said: "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."

Birmingham Council leader John Cotton said he was "shocked and deeply saddened by this appalling attack".

He added: "My thoughts are with everyone who knew and loved Katie.

"The council continues to work closely with West Midlands Police and other partners to ensure that the city centre remains a safe and welcoming place.

"We remain committed to tackling knife crime through coordinated prevention, education, and enforcement efforts.

"We must work together to do all that we can to eliminate the scourge of knife crime."

Rafael, 21, of Rosedale Avenue in Smethwick, 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 want to hear from anyone who knows more about what happened or the movements of Rafael, who they described as a black British national.

They believe he was wearing an all-grey tracksuit, black hat, trainers and rucksack on Friday evening.

The force previously said Ms Fox was taken to hospital with a serious neck injury but later died of her injuries.

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