Djeison rafael charged over killing of Birmingham woman

A 34-year-old woman was stabbed to death in a shocking unprovoked attack outside Birmingham’s Bullring. Police say suspect Djeison Rafael, 21, now faces murder charges.

A man has been charged with murder after the unprovoked stabbing of a woman in Birmingham city centre.

The victim, a 34-year-old woman since named as Katie Fox, was rushed to hospital with serious neck injuries following the attack on Smallbrook Queensway at around 9pm on Friday. West Midlands Police later confirmed that she had died from her injuries.

Following the stabbing, Djeison Rafael, described by police as a 21-year-old Black British man, was arrested and initially charged with attempted murder. That charge has now been upgraded to murder.

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He appeared at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court on Monday morning.

The 21-year-old, of Rosedale Avenue, Smethwick, is also accused of two separate counts of causing actual bodily harm — relating to incidents on 27 October and 7 November — as well as possession of a Stanley blade and assaulting a detention escort officer.

Rafael appeared before District Judge John Bristow in a brief six-minute hearing, during which he repeatedly interrupted proceedings and was told by the judge to remain quiet.

Because of the seriousness of the charges, Rafael was not invited to enter any pleas. The case has been sent to Birmingham Crown Court, where he is due to appear on 12 November.

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West Midlands Police said additional officers would be visible across the city centre this week to reassure the public, while specially trained officers continue to support Ms Fox’s family.

Detectives are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the incident or seen Rafael in the area at the time to come forward. He is described as a Black British man believed to have been wearing a grey tracksuit, black hat, trainers and a rucksack on the night of the attack.

The stabbing took place outside the Bullring shopping centre, opposite the main entrance to Birmingham New Street station, shortly after 9pm on Friday. Police have described it as an “unprovoked attack”.

Detective Inspector James Nix, who is leading the investigation, said officers were working to establish the motive behind the assault.

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