Woman Knifed in Birmingham Bus Stop Assault Dies
A woman 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, just prior to 9 PM GMT Friday evening, according to police statements.
Djeison Rafael, twenty-one, appeared before Birmingham Magistrates Court Monday morning, charged over the violent incident.
Originally charged with attempted murder however after the victim's passing the charge has been updated to include murder.
Law Enforcement Actions
The force said officers would be around the city centre through Monday providing public assurance, while detectives assisted the victim's relatives.
Investigators are requesting any eyewitnesses who may have seen Mr Rafael, who is described as British citizen of Black ethnicity, reportedly dressed in grey athletic wear, black hat, trainers and rucksack.
Incident Location
The stabbing happened near the Bullring shopping centre, across from 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.
Eyewitness Reports
Shalini Doal, employed in the vicinity, described paramedic and police activity after completing her shift at about 22:00 Friday night.
She characterized the location as extremely disorderly, and said some of her colleagues heard a commotion at about 21:00.
"Many my colleagues take public transport, ride the tramline... our safety is at risk essentially, here in the city centre."
Another individual, twenty-five, resident of Stoke, said he came to Birmingham quite frequently visiting his partner who lives in the city, expressing concern about what had happened.
"It causes concern for my girlfriend," he said.
"She lacks transportation and works at all of the big music venues... and to think a totally random act [happened], understandably, it's horrible."
