Woman Knifed in Birmingham City Bus Shelter Attack Dies
The female victim stabbed repeatedly to her neck area during a random assault at a bus stop within Birmingham has passed away, authorities verified.
The deceased woman, who was 34, came under attack in Smallbrook Queensway, right beside Bullring shopping complex, just prior to 21:00 GMT Friday evening, West Midlands Police said.
Djeison Rafael, 21, appeared before Birmingham Magistrates Court on Monday, charged over the violent incident.
Originally charged with attempted murder however after the victim's passing the charge has been updated to include murder.
Police Response
The force said police personnel will remain in the downtown area through Monday providing public assurance, and investigators were supporting the woman's family.
Detectives are appealing any eyewitnesses who might have observed Mr Rafael, who is described as a Black British national, reportedly dressed in grey athletic wear, black hat, trainers and rucksack.
Incident Location
The knife attack occurred outside Bullring retail complex, opposite primary access point to Birmingham New Street station.
Police said they classified it as "unprovoked attack" with investigators stating efforts continue to determine why it happened.
Witness Accounts
An area worker, employed in the vicinity, recounted the emergency response 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 around 9 PM.
"A lot of co-workers take public transport, take the tram... our safety is at risk essentially, in the downtown area."
Ashley Birks, 25, resident of Stoke, mentioned visiting to Birmingham quite frequently visiting his partner resident there, and was concerned about what had happened.
"It makes me worried for my girlfriend," he stated.
"She lacks transportation employed at major concert locations... considering a totally random act occurred, you know, it's horrible."
