The family of a woman who was brutally stabbed in the neck as she waited at a bus stop in Birmingham have said ‘a part of us was snatched away on that fateful night’.
Katie Fox, 34, died of serious neck injuries before suspect Djeison Rafael, 21, made his first appearance in court.
He has been remanded until his next appearance believed to be in May, charged with her murder.
Ms Fox was killed as she waited at a bus stop in Smallbrook Queensway on Friday night. She died a few days later in hospital.
In a statement, her family said: ‘Gone too soon, dear Katie, so beautiful and kind.
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‘A part of us was snatched away on that very fateful night, a part of us also vanished suddenly, when you passed away, leaving us all with such sadness and heartache.
‘You were a shining light in our lives, you were so special in every way, you were everything a daughter could be and much more.
‘Your loss to us has been so hard to bear and so hard to comprehend, but we know that you are still with us and giving us the strength in every way. You are our guardian angel.
‘God bless you Katie, our special and gentle daughter.’
Asking for privacy to grieve, they added: ‘Thank you to all, who have showed support during this most difficult time.
‘Thank you also to the paramedics, police, and ITU at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital for their professionalism and companionship.’
Cathy Crossley, from Arts All Over The Place (AAOTP), wrote a touching tribute online: ‘Katie Fox, partner of Gary Morris, died after being stabbed on Friday Evening in Birmingham.
‘She was a friend of AAOTP for many years, and attended several events. We are all devastated and send so much love and support to Gary Morris, who is the bass player in our band ADHD.’
Another friend Jodie Barker said on Facebook: ‘I’m really sorry this happened to you.
‘I know for a fact Katie wouldn’t have ever said anything to whoever killed her.
‘She was one of the good people and yet it always happens to the quiet and good people who are getting on with life and being happy.’
Rafael is also charged with 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.
The stabbing happened outside of Boots, and is the third to have taken place in a month in the area.
The force said: ‘Extra officers will be around Birmingham city centre to offer reassurance as we understand this is a worrying incident.’
‘We are still keen to hear from anyone who knows more about what happened or the movements of Rafael, who we believe was wearing an all-grey tracksuit, black hat, trainers and rucksack on Friday evening (7 November).’
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