Woman Knifed in Birmingham City Bus Shelter Assault Dies
The female victim who was stabbed in the neck in an unprovoked attack at a bus stop in Birmingham has died, police have confirmed.
The victim, aged 34 years, came under attack in Smallbrook Queensway, just outside the Bullring shopping centre, just prior to 21:00 GMT on Friday, West Midlands Police said.
Djeison Rafael, 21, appeared before Birmingham court on Monday, facing charges for the attack.
He was previously accused of attempted murder however after the victim's passing the charge has been updated to murder.
Police Response
Authorities stated officers would be around the city centre on Monday to offer reassurance, while detectives assisted the woman's family.
Investigators are requesting for witnesses who may have seen the accused, who is described as a Black British national, reportedly dressed in grey athletic wear, black hat, athletic shoes and rucksack.
Incident Location
The stabbing happened near Bullring retail complex, opposite the main entrance of New Street railway station.
Police said they were treating it as a random violent act with investigators stating they were working to understand why it happened.
Witness Accounts
Shalini Doal, who works nearby, recounted paramedic and police activity when she finished her work period at about 22:00 Friday night.
She described the scene as extremely disorderly, and said co-workers reported hearing loud disturbances at about 21:00.
"Many co-workers take public transport, take the tram... our security is compromised fundamentally, here in the city centre."
Another individual, twenty-five, resident of Stoke, mentioned visiting the city quite frequently visiting his partner resident there, and was concerned regarding the incident.
"It makes me worried for my girlfriend," he said.
"She doesn't drive and works at major concert locations... considering a totally random act [happened], you know, it's terrible."
