Woman Knifed in Birmingham City Bus Shelter Assault Succumbs to Injuries
The female victim who was stabbed to her neck area during a random assault near a bus shelter within Birmingham has passed away, police have confirmed.
The victim, aged 34 years, was targeted in Smallbrook Queensway, just outside Bullring shopping complex, shortly before 9 PM GMT Friday evening, West Midlands Police said.
Djeison Rafael, twenty-one, appeared before Birmingham court Monday morning, charged over the violent incident.
He was previously accused of attempted murder however after the victim's passing charges were upgraded to murder.
Police Response
The force said officers would be around the city centre through Monday to offer reassurance, while detectives assisted the victim's relatives.
Detectives are appealing any eyewitnesses who might have observed Mr Rafael, identified as a Black British national, reportedly dressed in grey athletic wear, black hat, athletic shoes with a backpack.
Attack Site Details
The stabbing happened near the Bullring shopping centre, opposite primary access point of New Street railway station.
Law enforcement confirmed they were treating it as "unprovoked attack" and Det Insp James Nix said efforts continue to determine why it happened.
Witness Accounts
An area worker, who works nearby, described paramedic and police activity after completing her work period around 10 PM on Friday.
She described the scene as "quite chaotic", and said co-workers reported hearing a commotion at about 21:00.
"Many co-workers take public transport, ride the tramline... our safety is at risk essentially, here in the city centre."
Another individual, 25, resident of Stoke, mentioned visiting the city fairly regularly visiting his partner resident there, and was concerned regarding the incident.
"It makes me worried about my partner," he said.
"She doesn't drive employed at all of the big music venues... and to think something completely unprovoked [happened], you know, it's terrible."
