A woman who was stabbed in the neck at a bus stop in Birmingham has died, police have confirmed.
Katie Fox, 34, was attacked on Smallbrook Queensway, just outside the Bullring shopping centre, shortly before 21:00 GMT on Friday. Djeison Rafael, 21, has been charged in connection with the incident. He initially faced an attempted murder charge, which was upgraded to murder after Ms Fox’s death.
Rafael, of Rosedale Avenue, Smethwick, also faces two counts of causing actual bodily harm relating to incidents on 27 October and 7 November, a charge of possessing a Stanley blade, and an allegation of assaulting a detention escort officer. He appeared at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court, where he repeatedly interrupted the short hearing and was told to be quiet. The magistrates declined to take pleas because the offences are too serious for their court; the case was committed to Birmingham Crown Court for a hearing on 12 November.
West Midlands Police said officers would be visible around the city centre to offer reassurance and that investigators are supporting the victim’s family. Detectives are appealing for witnesses who may have seen Rafael, described by police as a black British national, who is believed to have been wearing an all-grey tracksuit, black hat, trainers and carrying a rucksack.
The stabbing took place opposite the main entrance to Birmingham New Street station. Police are treating it as an unprovoked attack and are working to establish a motive, Detective Inspector James Nix said.
West Midlands police and crime commissioner Simon Foster called the attack “abhorrent and brutal,” and said tackling knife crime is his top priority. He said there have been significant reductions in knife crime over the past year but added: “One victim of knife crime is one too many,” and pledged continued, relentless action.
People who witnessed the response described the scene as chaotic. Shalini Doal, who works nearby, said she saw the emergency response when finishing her shift at about 22:00 GMT and felt worried for her safety. Eleni Nazou, who had been at the bus stop around 19:00 that evening, said learning the attack happened two hours later made her feel unsafe and more guarded. Ashley Birks, who regularly visits Birmingham to see his girlfriend, said the incident had left him concerned for her, particularly because she relies on public transport and works late at city venues.
Police continue to investigate and are asking anyone with information to come forward.
