Katie Fox: Family pays tribute to ‘special and gentle’ woman stabbed near Birmingham bus stop

The family of the woman who died after being stabbed in the neck paid tribute to her as a “special and kind daughter”.

Katie Fox, 34, was taken to hospital with serious neck injuries after being stabbed on Smallbrook Queensway in Birmingham on Friday night, but died a few days later.

Djeison Rafael, 21, of Rosedale Avenue, Smethwick, appeared at Birmingham Crown Court via video link from HMP Long Lartin in Worcestershire on Wednesday, charged with murder.

Paying tribute to Ms Fox, who was released through West Midlands Police, her family said she was “special in every way” and a “shining light”.

They said: “Gone too soon dear Katie, so beautiful and kind.

“A part of us was taken from us that fateful night, a part of us suddenly disappeared when you passed away, leaving us all with such sadness and pain.

“You were a shining light in our lives, you were so special in every way, you were everything a daughter could be and so much more.

“Your loss was very difficult for us to bear and comprehend, but we know that you are still with us and give us strength in every way. You are our guardian angel.

“God bless you our special and kind daughter Katie.

“Thank you to everyone who supported me during this difficult time.

“We would also like to thank the paramedics at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, the police and the ITU for their professionalism and friendship.

“At this most difficult time, we ask that we be allowed to grieve the loss of our most precious daughter in peace and privacy.

“May God keep Katie in our hearts forever.”