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 November 7.
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 May 5.
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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. Rafael did not respond before the prison video link was ended.
Suspect Rafael is accused of stabbing Katie Fox, 34, in a random attack last Friday evening.
Katie died of her injuries on Monday morning.
As well as the murder of Ms Fox, Rafael, of Rosedale Avenue in Smethwick, is also charged with two counts of causing actual bodily harm to Mariamo Sow on October 27 and to Hailing Du on November 7, possession of a Stanley blade on November 7 and assaulting a detention escort officer on November 8.
Accused killer Rafael first appeared in court on Monday, wearing a grey t-shirt and flanked by two dock officers who removed his handcuffs as he faced District Judge John Bristow.
Rafael was told to be quiet and look forward as he interrupted the six-minute hearing multiple times.
Meanwhile, tributes to Katie spoke of her ‘quiet’ nature. Neighbours described Katie as a ‘nice girl’ who lived in the area for around two decades.
A family friend told The Mail: ‘It’s too soon to talk. They are all in total shock. It’s horrible.’
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.’
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