A 34-year-old woman, Katie Fox, has died after being stabbed in the neck at a Birmingham bus stop, West Midlands Police confirmed. The attack occurred on Smallbrook Queensway, just outside the Bullring shopping centre and opposite the main entrance to Birmingham New Street station, shortly before 21:00 GMT on Friday.
A 21-year-old man, Djeison Rafael of Rosedale Avenue, Smethwick, was charged in connection with the incident. He was initially charged with attempted murder, but that charge was upgraded to murder following Ms Fox’s death. Rafael also faces two counts of causing actual bodily harm linked to separate incidents on 27 October and 7 November, a charge of possessing a Stanley blade, and an allegation of assaulting a detention escort officer.
Rafael appeared at Birmingham Magistrates Court. During the brief hearing he repeatedly interrupted proceedings and was told to be quiet. Magistrates declined to take pleas because the allegations are too serious for their court, and the case was sent to Birmingham Crown Court for a hearing on 12 November.
Police said officers would be visible around the city centre to offer reassurance while investigators continue supporting Ms Fox’s family. Detectives are treating the assault as unprovoked and are working to establish a motive.
Officers are appealing for anyone who saw the suspect to come forward. He has been described as a black British man believed to have been wearing an all-grey tracksuit, a black hat, trainers and carrying a rucksack.
West Midlands police and crime commissioner Simon Foster described the attack as abhorrent and brutal and said tackling knife crime remains his top priority. He noted there have been significant reductions in knife crime over the past year but said one victim is still one too many and pledged continued, relentless action.
People who witnessed or learned about the emergency response described the scene as chaotic and said the incident has left them feeling unsafe. 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, said hearing the attack had happened two hours later made her feel more guarded. Ashley Birks, who regularly visits Birmingham, said the incident left him concerned for his girlfriend because she relies on public transport and often works late in the city.
Police continue to investigate and are asking anyone with information, or anyone who may have dashcam or doorbell footage, to contact West Midlands Police.
