BBCA man accused of killing 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 Longrin in Worcestershire, charged with the murder of Katie Fox.
The 34-year-old was stoned in Syrybrook Queens just before 21:00 GMT on 7 November and later died in hospital.
Wearing a gray jumper, Mr Rafael, 21, spoke only to confirm his name in the 15-minute hearing before Judge Simon Draw.
He sat forward during the hearing, rising briefly at one point before returning to his seat.
The counsel for the prosecution Michael Brady said that the trial, which is expected to last two weeks, will be heard before a dignified court verdict and a date set for 5 May.
The Court heard psychiatric reports must be gathered before starting a trial and charged the accused in the judgment that he must ask for reasons.
The judge said: “Mr Rafael, I change your case and it is next listed on the 16th of January.
“You can attend the prison video link from any prison you’ve been in. I know you’ve been transferred recently.”
As well as the murder of Ms Fox, Mr Rafael, of Rosedale Avenue in Smethwick, is also charged with two counts of causing actual bodily harm on 27 October and 7 November, as well as possession of a Stanley blade on 7 November and assaulting a detention escort officer on 8 November.
West Midlands police are appealing for information from anyone who knows anything about what happened.