Female Victim Stabbed in Birmingham Bus Shelter Attack Dies
A woman who was stabbed in the neck in an unprovoked attack at a bus stop in Birmingham has passed away, police have confirmed.
The deceased woman, who was 34, came under attack on Smallbrook Queensway street, right beside Bullring shopping complex, just prior to 9 PM GMT Friday evening, according to police statements.
Djeison Rafael, twenty-one, appeared before Birmingham court Monday morning, charged over the violent incident.
He was previously accused with attempted murder but following the woman's death the charge has been updated to murder.
Police Response
Authorities stated officers would be in the downtown area on Monday to offer reassurance, while detectives assisted the woman's family.
Investigators are requesting for witnesses who may have seen Mr Rafael, who is described as a Black British national, reportedly dressed in grey athletic wear, dark headwear, athletic shoes and rucksack.
Attack Site Details
The stabbing happened outside Bullring retail complex, across from the main entrance to Birmingham New Street station.
Law enforcement confirmed they were treating it as a random violent act and Det Insp James Nix said efforts continue to determine the motive behind.
Witness Accounts
Shalini Doal, employed in the vicinity, recounted paramedic and police activity when she finished her shift at about 22:00 Friday night.
She described the scene as extremely disorderly, and said co-workers reported hearing a commotion around 9 PM.
"Many co-workers take public transport, ride the tramline... our security is compromised essentially, in the downtown area."
Another individual, twenty-five, resident of Stoke, said he came the city quite frequently to see his girlfriend resident there, expressing concern regarding the incident.
"It makes me worried about my partner," he said.
"She doesn't drive employed at all of the big music venues... considering something completely unprovoked [happened], understandably, it's terrible."
