Katie Fox killing: Everything we know about stabbing on Birmingham street that killed 34-year-old woman
A man is due in court charged with the death of 34-year-old Katie Fox, who was stabbed in the neck last Friday.
Birmingham city was brought to a stop on Friday, November 7, following the death of 34-year-old Katie Fox, who was stabbed in the neck.
Katie was fatally stabbed on Smallbrook Queensway at around 9pm, with West Midlands Police quickly arresting 21-year-old Njeison Rafael, from Rosedale Avenue, Smethwick.
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Rafael appeared at Birmingham Magistrates Court on Monday, accused of the killing, where the offences were deemed 'too serious' to be dealt with by the magistrates' court.
He appeared before Birmingham Crown Court again on Wednesday (November 12). Wearing a grey jumper, Rafael, 21, spoke only to confirm his name during the 15-minute hearing in front of Judge Simon Drew KC.
Prosecution counsel Michael Brady KC said his trial, expected to last two weeks, would be heard in front of a high court judge and a date was set for May 5.
Ahead of Rafael's trial, we have listed everything we know about the killing that brought the city to a standstill.
What happened?
Katie was stabbed in the neck in what is being called an 'unprovoked attack' in the Smallbrook Queensway area of Birmingham just before 9pm.
Emergency services teams said that the 34-year-old was rushed to hospital with a serious injury to her neck; however, she died in hospital a short while later.
An investigation was launched following the attack, with West Midlands Police appealing for information on the location of Rafael.
He was arrested shortly afterwards, before being brought before Birmingham Magistrates' Court.
What has been said?
Birmingham Council leader, Councillor John Cotton, said that the council is 'shocked and deeply saddened' by the attack, adding that they are 'working closely' with West Midlands Police and their partners to ensure the city remains a safe place.
Earlier this week, Councillor Cotton said: "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."
Residents were also grief-stricken at the sudden killing, with one saying that they are 'shocked and scared' by the death.
Tyler Morrison, 32, who works in Birmingham, said: "It's scary. I was told it was an unprovoked attack, but that just makes it even worse.
"There's too much killing on in the West Midlands. It's worrying to live here."
'Gone to soon'
Following her death, Katie's family released a tribute to their 'beautiful and kind' daughter, describing her as the 'shining light' of their lives.
The family of Katie said: "Gone to soon Dear Katie, so beautiful and kind.
“A part of us was snatched away on that very fateful night, a part of us also vanished suddenly, when you passed away, leaving us all with such sadness and heartache.
“You were a shining light in our lives, you were so special in every way, you were everything a daughter could be and much more.
“Your loss to us has been so hard to bear and so hard to comprehend, but we know that you are still with us and giving us the strength in every way. You are, our guardian angel.
“God bless you Katie, our special and gentle daughter.
“Thank you to all, who have showed support during this most difficult time.
“Thank you also to the paramedics, police, and ITU at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital for their professionalism and companionship.
“We ask at this most difficult time that we be allowed to grieve the loss of our most precious daughter in peace and in privacy.
“God bless Katie, forever in our hearts."
Njeison Rafael is due to appear before Birmingham Crown Court on November 12.