Woman Knifed in Birmingham City Bus Shelter Attack Succumbs to Injuries
The female victim stabbed repeatedly in the neck in an unprovoked attack at a bus stop in Birmingham has died, authorities verified.
The victim, who was 34, came under attack on Smallbrook Queensway street, just outside the Bullring shopping centre, shortly before 9 PM GMT on Friday, West Midlands Police said.
Djeison Rafael, 21, appeared before Birmingham Magistrates Court Monday morning, facing charges for the violent incident.
Originally charged of attempted murder however after the victim's passing the charge has been updated to include murder.
Police Response
Authorities stated officers would be around the city centre through Monday to offer reassurance, while detectives assisted the victim's relatives.
Detectives are appealing for witnesses who may have seen Mr Rafael, identified as British citizen of Black ethnicity, reportedly dressed in grey athletic wear, dark headwear, trainers with a backpack.
Attack Site Details
The knife attack occurred near Bullring retail complex, across from primary access point to Birmingham New Street station.
Police said they were treating it as a random violent act and Det Insp James Nix said they were working to understand the motive behind.
Eyewitness Reports
Shalini Doal, who works nearby, described paramedic and police activity when she finished her work period around 10 PM Friday night.
She described the scene as extremely disorderly, adding that some of her colleagues heard 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, resident of Stoke, said he came the city quite frequently to see his girlfriend who lives in the city, and was concerned regarding the incident.
"It causes concern for my girlfriend," he stated.
"She doesn't drive employed at all of the big music venues... and to think a totally random act occurred, you know, it's horrible."
