The devastated family of a woman stabbed to death while Christmas shopping in Birmingham city centre have spoken of their heartbreak, saying the tragedy has turned their lives 'upside down'.
A Life Cut Short in the Heart of the City
Katie Fox, a 34-year-old described by her loved ones as a 'kind, quiet, sensitive and loving' woman, was attacked while waiting for a bus on Smallbrook Queensway on the evening of 7 November.
She had spent the evening visiting the city's famous German Market and buying Christmas presents. After what her family called 'a good evening', she was standing at a bus stop to go home when she was viciously stabbed.
Katie was rushed to the city's Queen Elizabeth Hospital but, despite extensive efforts by emergency services, she tragically lost her fight for life two days later on 9 November.
Charges Brought and a Trial Date Set
Djeison Rafael, 21, of Rosedale Avenue, Smethwick, has been charged with Katie's murder. He faces additional charges relating to two counts of causing actual bodily harm on 27 October and 7 November, possession of a Stanley blade, and assaulting a detention escort officer.
Judge Simon Drew KC has set a trial date for 5 May next year. The case is expected to last up to three weeks.
A Family's Loving Tribute and a Community's Support
In a heartfelt tribute on a GoFundMe page set up in her memory, Katie's family revealed that although she had autism and learning disabilities, she was 'full of life and laughter'.
'Our lives have been turned upside down from this tragic event,' they wrote. 'Katie will be deeply missed and will always be in our hearts, forever.'
The fundraiser, aiming to support the family following their unimaginable loss, had raised just over £1,000 at the time of reporting.
The shocking incident has sent ripples of grief through the community, marking another tragic loss of life to knife crime on the streets of Birmingham.
