Woman Knifed in Birmingham City Bus Stop Attack Dies
A woman who was stabbed to her neck area in an unprovoked attack near a bus shelter within Birmingham has passed away, police have confirmed.
The victim, who was 34, was targeted in Smallbrook Queensway, right beside 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, charged over the attack.
Originally charged with attempted murder however after the woman's death the charge has been updated to murder.
Police Response
Authorities stated officers would be around the city centre on Monday to offer reassurance, and investigators were supporting the woman's family.
Investigators are requesting any eyewitnesses who may have seen the accused, who is described as British citizen of Black ethnicity, reportedly dressed in an all-grey tracksuit, black hat, athletic shoes and rucksack.
Incident Location
The stabbing happened outside Bullring retail complex, across from the main entrance of New Street railway station.
Law enforcement confirmed they classified it as a random violent act with investigators stating efforts continue to determine why it happened.
Witness Accounts
Shalini Doal, who works nearby, described paramedic and police activity when she finished her work period around 10 PM on Friday.
She described the scene as extremely disorderly, and said some of her colleagues heard loud disturbances around 9 PM.
"Many my colleagues use transit services, take the tram... our security is compromised essentially, here in the city centre."
Another individual, 25, from Stoke-on-Trent, mentioned visiting the city quite frequently visiting his partner who lives in the city, expressing concern regarding the incident.
"It makes me worried for my girlfriend," he said.
"She doesn't drive employed at all of the big music venues... considering something completely unprovoked occurred, understandably, it's horrible."
