• News

KNIFE HORROR

Woman, 34, killed after being stabbed in the neck in ‘unprovoked attack’ at bus stop is pictured – as man, 21, charged

Heartbreaking tributes have now poured in for Katie

Published: 16:54, 10 Nov 2025

|

Updated: 18:42, 10 Nov 2025

Current Time 0:10

/

Duration 1:33

A WOMAN who died after being brutally stabbed in the neck in a busy city centre has been pictured for the first time.

Katie Fox, 34, was left fighting for her life after allegedly being knifed in an “unprovoked attack” in Birmingham on Friday night.

Katie – who has been pictured for the first time – lost her brave battle today after the horror attack with her heartbroken family at her bedside praying for a “miracle” that she would survive.

Shocked friends and neighbours of the victim have been paying tribute to the much-loved victim who was brutally targeted in the Smallbrook Queensway.

Djeison Rafael, 21, was initially charged with attempted murder, a day after the horror unfolded at around 9pm.

But following confirmation of Katie’s tragic death today, he was then charged with murder as he appeared at Birmingham Magistrates Court.

West Midlands Police confirmed Rafael has also been charged with two further assaults and possession of a blade.

Katie was rushed to hospital with a serious neck injury but the force confirmed today that she had “since tragically died in hospital” in a heartbreaking update this morning.

A local near her childhood home in Northfield, Birmingham, said: “This is shattering news and utterly heartbreaking fo her family and everyone who knew her”.

The tearful woman Fiona said: “Her family were at the hospital, doing a round the clock vigil, and praying for a miracle she would survive her injuries.

“But she sadly slipped away. Everyone is in total shock.”

Gran Fiona said: ‘How can this happen when a young woman out for a night, in the mid evening, gets stabbed in the neck. It is terrifying. Our streets are so unsafe.”

Another neighbour told how Katie had lived in semi-detached family home since she was a teenager but had moved a nearby flat a few years ago.

He said the family and her boyfriend had raced to the hospital following the attack and had remained at her bedside.

“We heard about the stabbing but had no idea until today that it was Kate. She as a lovely lady and didn’t deserve this,” he said.

Tributes have also poured in for Katie online, with one describing her as a “beautiful soul”.

Cathy Crossley, from Arts All Over The Place, (AAOTP) wrote: “Tragic news today that Katie Fox, partner of Gary Morris died after being stabbed on Friday Evening in Birmingham. 

“She was a friend of AAOTP for many years, and attended several events. we are all devastated and send so much love and support to Gary Morris, who is base player in our band ADHD.”

Melanie Cox Pryce wrote: “This is absolutely devastating to hear! Poor lady was in the wrong place at the wrong time.

“More needs to be done to help people feel safe again, more police on the streets and greater consequence for the crime.

Rafael wore a grey t-shirt and was flanked by two dock officers who removed his handcuffs as he faced District Judge John Bristow.

The 21-year-old was told to be quiet and look forward as he interrupted the six-minute hearing multiple times.

Rafael, of Rosedale Avenue in Smethwick, is also charged with two counts of causing actual bodily harm on October 27 and November 7.

Further charges include possession of a Stanley blade on November 7 and assaulting a detention escort officer on November 8.

District Judge Bristow told the defendant: “I’m going to send you and your charges to the crown court on November 12.”

Several forensic tents were erected close to a bus stop near the scene.