Woman Stabbed in Birmingham City Bus Stop Assault Dies
The female victim who was stabbed in the neck in an unprovoked attack near a bus shelter within Birmingham has passed away, police have confirmed.
The victim, aged 34 years, was targeted in Smallbrook Queensway, right beside Bullring shopping complex, shortly before 9 PM GMT on Friday, 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 but following the victim's passing the charge has been updated to include murder.
Police Response
The force said police personnel will remain around the city centre on Monday to offer reassurance, and investigators were supporting the victim's relatives.
Detectives are appealing for witnesses who may have seen Mr Rafael, who is described as British citizen of Black ethnicity, and is believed to have been wearing grey athletic wear, black hat, trainers with a backpack.
Attack Site Details
The knife attack occurred 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 efforts continue to determine why it happened.
Witness Accounts
An area worker, employed in the vicinity, recounted the emergency response after completing her shift at about 22:00 Friday night.
She characterized the location as "quite chaotic", and said some of her colleagues heard a commotion at about 21:00.
"Many co-workers use transit services, ride the tramline... our security is compromised fundamentally, here in the city centre."
Ashley Birks, 25, resident of Stoke, said he came to Birmingham quite frequently to see his girlfriend who lives in the city, expressing concern about what had happened.
"It causes concern for my girlfriend," he stated.
"She lacks transportation and works at major concert locations... and to think a totally random act occurred, you know, it's terrible."
