A man accused of murdering a woman in a fatal stabbing in Birmingham city centre will stand trial in May of next year.
Details of the Fatal Incident
Katie Fox, aged 34, was fatally stabbed in the neck on Smallbrook Queensway. The violent attack occurred shortly before 9pm on the evening of Friday, November 7.
Djeison Rafael, a 21-year-old from Rosedale Avenue in Smethwick, has been charged with her murder. He faces additional charges, including two counts of causing actual bodily harm on October 27 and November 7, possession of a Stanley blade on November 7, and assaulting a detention escort officer on the following day, November 8.
Court Proceedings and Trial Date
Rafael appeared at Birmingham Crown Court on Wednesday, November 12 via a video link from HMP Long Lartin near Evesham. During the brief hearing, he only spoke to confirm his name and was not asked to enter pleas to the charges against him.
Presiding over the case, Judge Simon Drew KC set a trial date for May 5, 2025. The proceedings are anticipated to last between two to three weeks.
No application for bail was made on behalf of the defendant, and he was formally remanded into custody. A further case management hearing has been scheduled for January 16.
Ongoing Police Investigation
West Midlands Police have previously issued an appeal for information, urging anyone with knowledge of the events or of Rafael's movements to come forward. The force described him as a black British national.
On the evening of the incident, it is believed he was wearing an all-grey tracksuit, a black hat, trainers, and a rucksack.
Following the stabbing, the victim was taken to hospital with a serious neck injury but was later pronounced dead.
