SUTTON COLDFIELD, UK — In a shocking case of domestic violence that stunned the community, Natalie Queiroz, who was eight months pregnant at the time, was stabbed repeatedly in broad daylight by her former partner Babur Karamat Raja in March 2016.

Raja, the father of the unborn child, attacked Queiroz from behind with a 12-inch carving knife as she walked through Sutton Coldfield town centre. He stabbed her 24 times, targeting her heart, lungs, liver, uterus, and arms, in a frenzied nine-minute assault. Miraculously, the blade missed the baby by just two millimetres.

Despite severe injuries and massive blood loss, Queiroz fought to protect her pregnancy and survived thanks to the quick intervention of brave passersby, nearby police, and the Midlands Air Ambulance. Her baby girl was safely delivered via emergency caesarean section shortly afterward.

Court proceedings revealed that family pressure played a significant role. Raja’s conservative Muslim mother strongly disapproved of the relationship and reportedly pressured him to choose between his family and Queiroz. This conflict “drove him mad,” according to his defense, leading to the premeditated attack.

Raja pleaded guilty to attempted murder and attempted child destruction. He was sentenced to 18 years in prison in June 2016.

Queiroz, who has since become an advocate for victims of domestic abuse and knife crime (and was awarded an MBE), has spoken publicly about her survival and recovery. She has raised awareness about the dangers of coercive family pressures and the importance of support for survivors.

The case remains one of the most harrowing examples of attempted murder in the region, highlighting issues of domestic violence, cultural pressures, and community intervention.

Sources: BBC News