Overview
- Katie Fox, 34, suffered a fatal neck wound in an apparently unprovoked attack shortly before 9pm Friday on Smallbrook Queensway near the Bullring.
- West Midlands Police established a cordon with forensic tents at the scene and said they are not seeking anyone else.
- Djeison Rafael, 21, of Smethwick, appeared at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court, was remanded in custody, and is due before Birmingham Crown Court on November 12.
- Rafael also faces two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm linked to October 27 and November 7, possession of a Stanley blade, and assaulting a detention escort officer.
- Detectives appealed for witnesses and footage, noting the suspect was believed to be in an all‑grey tracksuit with a black hat, trainers and rucksack, and said extra patrols will be deployed in the city centre.