Man Appears in Court Over City Centre Stabbing
A man has appeared in court charged with murder following the fatal stabbing of a woman in Birmingham city centre. Djeison Rafael, aged 21, stood before Birmingham Magistrates' Court on Monday morning accused of killing Katie Fox.
Details of the Attack and Court Hearing
The incident occurred on Smallbrook Queensway shortly before 9pm on November 7. Paramedics rushed to the scene and the victim, a 34-year-old woman, was taken to hospital with a serious neck injury but later died of her wounds.
During the six-minute hearing, Rafael, of Rosedale Avenue in Smethwick, wore a grey t-shirt and was flanked by two dock officers. District Judge John Bristow presided, and the defendant was told to be quiet and look forward after interrupting proceedings multiple times.
Rafael 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 November 8.
Case Sent to Crown Court and Police Appeal
District Judge Bristow informed Rafael that he would not be asked to enter pleas due to the seriousness of the offences, which are beyond the magistrates' court's jurisdiction. The judge remanded the case to the crown court, with a hearing scheduled for November 12.
West Midlands Police have issued an appeal for information, describing Rafael as a black British national. They believe he was wearing an all-grey tracksuit, black hat, trainers, and a rucksack on the evening of the attack and are urging anyone with information about his movements or the incident to come forward.
