Karl Gallagher inquest opened after fatal knife attack
An inquest has opened into the death of Karl Gallagher who was fatally stabbed outside a shopping centre.
A post-mortem revealed the 31-year-old died from a fatal stab wound following the attack last month, Black Country Coroner's Court heard.
Mr Gallagher, a personal trainer, was pronounced dead at the scene at West Cross Shopping Centre, in Oldbury Road, Smethwick, on April 26.
Tyrell Harris, aged 19, of Helvellyn Way, West Bromwich, has been charged with his murder.
Harris appeared before Wolverhampton Crown Court earlier this month where he was remanded into custody ahead of another hearing on June 18.
Four other men were also arrested on suspicion of the murder of Mr Gallagher, who lived in Florence Road, Smethwick.
They have all since been bailed pending further enquiries.
Three men are also on police bail, pending further enquires, having been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.
A man is also on police bail pending further enquiries after he was arrested on suspicion of obstructing police.
Nine arrests have been made as part of the investigation so far.
Senior coroner Zafar Siddique told the inquest: "At 4.40pm on April 26, the police and ambulance services were made aware that a man had been stabbed at West Cross Shopping Centre.
"The victim had been fatally stabbed. A post-mortem decided his cause of death was that he was stabbed to death.
"The suspect charged with his alleged murder is to appear before crown court."
Due to the ongoing investigation, the inquest has been adjourned by Mr Siddique.
Mr Siddique added: "Can I take this opportunity to offer my condolences to Mr Gallagher's friends and family."
A fundraising page launched for his funeral has now passed the £7,000 target.
