Female Victim Stabbed in Birmingham Bus Shelter Attack Dies
The female victim stabbed repeatedly to her neck area during a random assault near a bus shelter in Birmingham has passed away, authorities verified.
The victim, who was 34, came under attack on Smallbrook Queensway street, just outside Bullring shopping complex, just prior to 21:00 GMT Friday evening, according to police statements.
Djeison Rafael, twenty-one, was presented at Birmingham court Monday morning, charged over the attack.
He was previously accused of attempted murder however after the woman's death the charge has been updated to include murder.
Police Response
The force said officers would be in the downtown area on Monday providing public assurance, while detectives assisted the victim's relatives.
Investigators are requesting any eyewitnesses who might have observed Mr Rafael, who is described as British citizen of Black ethnicity, reportedly dressed in grey athletic wear, black hat, trainers with a backpack.
Attack Site Details
The stabbing happened near Bullring retail complex, across from primary access point to Birmingham New Street station.
Police said they classified it as a random violent act and Det Insp James Nix said efforts continue to determine why it happened.
Eyewitness Reports
Shalini Doal, who works nearby, described the emergency response after completing her work period around 10 PM on Friday.
She characterized the location as extremely disorderly, adding that co-workers reported hearing loud disturbances around 9 PM.
"A lot of co-workers use transit services, take the tram... our safety is at risk fundamentally, here in the city centre."
Another individual, twenty-five, resident of Stoke, said he came the city fairly regularly to see his girlfriend who lives in the city, and was concerned about what had happened.
"It makes me worried about my partner," he said.
"She doesn't drive and works at major concert locations... and to think something completely unprovoked occurred, you know, it's horrible."
