Female Victim Knifed in Birmingham City Bus Stop Assault Dies
A woman who was stabbed to her neck area in an unprovoked attack at a bus stop in Birmingham has passed away, police have confirmed.
The deceased woman, aged 34 years, came under attack on Smallbrook Queensway street, right beside Bullring shopping complex, shortly before 21:00 GMT Friday evening, West Midlands Police said.
Djeison Rafael, twenty-one, was presented at Birmingham court on Monday, facing charges for the attack.
Originally charged of attempted murder however after the victim's passing charges were upgraded to include murder.
Police Response
The force said officers would be around the city centre on Monday providing public assurance, and investigators were supporting the woman's family.
Investigators are requesting for witnesses who may have seen Mr Rafael, identified as a Black British national, and is believed to have been wearing grey athletic wear, black hat, athletic shoes with a backpack.
Attack Site Details
The knife attack occurred near Bullring retail complex, across from primary access point of New Street railway station.
Law enforcement confirmed they classified it as a random violent act and Det Insp James Nix said efforts continue to determine the motive behind.
Eyewitness Reports
Shalini Doal, who works nearby, recounted paramedic and police activity when she finished her work period at about 22:00 Friday night.
She characterized the location as extremely disorderly, adding that co-workers reported hearing loud disturbances around 9 PM.
"Many my colleagues take public transport, take the tram... our safety is at risk essentially, in the downtown area."
Another individual, twenty-five, resident of Stoke, said he came the city fairly regularly visiting his partner who lives in the city, and was concerned about what had happened.
"It causes concern about my partner," he stated.
"She lacks transportation and works at major concert locations... considering a totally random act occurred, you know, it's terrible."
