Woman Stabbed in Birmingham Bus Stop Assault Dies
The female victim who was stabbed in the neck in an unprovoked attack near a bus shelter in Birmingham has died, police have confirmed.
The victim, aged 34 years, came under attack on Smallbrook Queensway street, right beside the Bullring shopping centre, shortly before 9 PM GMT on Friday, West Midlands Police said.
Djeison Rafael, twenty-one, appeared before Birmingham court on Monday, facing charges for the attack.
Originally charged of attempted murder but following the victim's passing the charge has been updated to murder.
Police Response
Authorities stated police personnel will remain in the downtown area through Monday providing public assurance, and investigators were supporting the woman's family.
Investigators are requesting any eyewitnesses who may have seen the accused, identified as a Black British national, and is believed to have been wearing an all-grey tracksuit, black hat, trainers and rucksack.
Incident Location
The stabbing happened near Bullring retail complex, across from the main entrance to Birmingham New Street station.
Law enforcement confirmed they classified it as a random violent act with investigators stating efforts continue to determine the motive behind.
Witness Accounts
Shalini Doal, who works nearby, described the emergency response when she finished her work period at about 22:00 Friday night.
She described the scene as extremely disorderly, adding that co-workers reported hearing loud disturbances around 9 PM.
"Many co-workers use transit services, ride the tramline... our safety is at risk essentially, here in the city centre."
Ashley Birks, 25, from Stoke-on-Trent, said he came to Birmingham fairly regularly to see his girlfriend 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 all of the big music venues... considering a totally random act occurred, understandably, it's terrible."
