The family of a woman who was brutally stabbed in the neck at a bus stop in Birmingham are mourning the loss of their 'beautiful and kind' daughter, describing how a part of them was 'snatched away'.
A Life Taken Too Soon
Katie Fox, 34, was waiting at a bus stop on Smallbrook Queensway on the evening of Friday, 7 November, when she was attacked. She sustained serious neck injuries and died several days later in hospital.
In an emotional statement, her family said: ‘Gone too 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.’
They remembered her as a 'shining light' and 'everything a daughter could be and much more,' adding that she is now their 'guardian angel'. The family also expressed gratitude to the paramedics, police, and staff at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital's ITU for their 'professionalism and companionship'.
Court Appearance and Further Charges
Djeison Rafael, 21, has been charged with the murder of Katie Fox. He made his first court appearance and has been remanded in custody until a hearing believed to be scheduled for May.
Rafael also faces additional charges, including two counts of causing actual bodily harm on 27 October and 7 November, possession of a Stanley blade on 7 November, and assaulting a detention escort officer on 8 November.
Community in Mourning
The attack, which occurred outside a Boots store, is reported to be the third stabbing in the area within a month. The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community and beyond.
Arts All Over The Place (AAOTP), a community organisation, paid a touching tribute online. Cathy Crossley wrote that Katie was a friend of AAOTP for many years and that everyone was 'devastated'. The tribute also noted that Katie was the partner of Gary Morris, the bass player in the band ADHD.
A friend, Jodie Barker, posted on Facebook, saying: ‘I know for a fact Katie wouldn’t have ever said anything to whoever killed her. She was one of the good people and yet it always happens to the quiet and good people who are getting on with life and being happy.’
West Midlands Police have stated that extra officers will be deployed in Birmingham city centre to offer reassurance to the public. They are continuing to appeal for information and are keen to hear from anyone who witnessed the incident or who has knowledge of Rafael's movements. They believe he was wearing an all-grey tracksuit, black hat, trainers, and a rucksack on the evening of the attack.
