Female Victim Knifed in Birmingham City Bus Shelter Attack Dies
A woman stabbed repeatedly to her neck area during a random assault near a bus shelter within Birmingham has passed away, police have confirmed.
The victim, aged 34 years, came under attack on Smallbrook Queensway street, right beside Bullring shopping complex, shortly before 9 PM GMT on Friday, West Midlands Police said.
Djeison Rafael, twenty-one, appeared before Birmingham Magistrates Court on Monday, charged over the violent incident.
He was previously accused with attempted murder but following the victim's passing charges were upgraded to include murder.
Police Response
Authorities stated officers would be around the city centre through Monday to offer reassurance, while detectives assisted the victim's relatives.
Investigators are requesting any eyewitnesses who might have observed Mr Rafael, identified as British citizen of Black ethnicity, and is believed to have been wearing an all-grey tracksuit, black hat, trainers and rucksack.
Attack Site Details
The stabbing happened near Bullring retail complex, opposite the main entrance of New Street railway station.
Police said they classified it as a random violent act and Det Insp James Nix said they were working to understand the motive behind.
Witness Accounts
An area worker, who works nearby, described paramedic and police activity after completing her work period around 10 PM on Friday.
She described the scene as extremely disorderly, adding that co-workers reported hearing loud disturbances at about 21:00.
"Many co-workers take public transport, ride the tramline... our security is compromised essentially, in the downtown area."
Another individual, 25, resident of Stoke, said he came the city fairly regularly visiting his partner resident there, expressing concern regarding the incident.
"It causes concern about my partner," he stated.
"She doesn't drive employed at major concert locations... and to think something completely unprovoked [happened], you know, it's horrible."
