Man accused of stabbing woman in neck in Birmingham could face trial in May
A man who is accused of stabbing and killing a woman in Birmingham could face trial in May.
Last updated 14th Nov 2025
A man accused of murdering a woman who was stabbed in the neck in Birmingham could face a trial in May.
Djeison Rafael appeared at Birmingham Crown Court via video link from HMP Long Lartin in Worcestershire, accused of murdering 34-year-old Katie Fox, who was stabbed on Smallbrook Queensway shortly before 9pm on 7 November.
Wearing a grey jumper, Rafael, 21, spoke only to confirm his name during the 15-minute hearing in front of Judge Simon Drew KC.
He sat forward during the hearing, getting up briefly at one point before returning to his seat.
Prosecution counsel Michael Brady KC said the trial, expected to last two weeks, would be heard in front of a high court judge and a date was set for 5 May.
The court heard psychiatric reports would need to be gathered before the trial begins.
Rafael was told by the judge he would next need to appear to enter pleas.
The judge said: "Mr Rafael, I am adjourning your case and it will next be listed on 16 January.
"You can attend by prison video link from whatever prison you are in. I know you have recently been transferred.
"We will see you on that date. Thank you very much, that is the end of the hearing."
Rafael did not respond before the prison video link was ended.
As well as the murder of Ms Fox, Rafael, of no fixed address, is also charged with two counts of causing actual bodily harm to Mariamo Sow on 27 October and to Hailing Du on 7 November, possession of a Stanley blade on 7 November and assaulting a detention escort officer on 8 November.
West Midlands Police issued a plea for information from anyone who knows more about what happened or the movements of Rafael, who they described as a black British national.
They believe he was wearing an all-grey tracksuit, black hat, trainers and rucksack on Friday evening.
The force previously said Ms Fox was taken to hospital with a serious neck injury but died of her injuries.