Woman Knifed in Birmingham Bus Shelter Assault Dies
The female victim stabbed repeatedly to her neck area during a random assault near a bus shelter within Birmingham has passed away, authorities verified.
The victim, aged 34 years, came under attack on Smallbrook Queensway street, just outside the Bullring shopping centre, just prior to 9 PM GMT on Friday, according to police statements.
Djeison Rafael, 21, appeared before Birmingham Magistrates Court on Monday, facing charges for the attack.
Originally charged of attempted murder however after the victim's passing the charge has been updated to murder.
Police Response
The force said police personnel will remain around the city centre through Monday providing public assurance, while detectives assisted the woman's family.
Detectives are appealing for witnesses who might have observed Mr Rafael, who is described as British citizen of Black ethnicity, reportedly dressed in grey athletic wear, black hat, athletic shoes and rucksack.
Incident Location
The stabbing happened outside Bullring retail complex, opposite the main entrance of New Street railway station.
Law enforcement confirmed they were treating it as a random violent act with investigators stating efforts continue to determine why it happened.
Witness Accounts
An area worker, employed in the vicinity, recounted paramedic and police activity when she finished her shift around 10 PM Friday night.
She described the scene as "quite chaotic", adding that co-workers reported hearing a commotion at about 21:00.
"A lot of my colleagues use transit services, take the tram... our safety is at risk essentially, here in the city centre."
Another individual, 25, from Stoke-on-Trent, said he came to Birmingham fairly regularly visiting his partner resident there, and was concerned about what had happened.
"It makes me worried for my girlfriend," he said.
"She lacks transportation employed at major concert locations... considering a totally random act occurred, you know, it's terrible."
