Female Victim Knifed in Birmingham City Bus Shelter Attack Dies
A woman who was stabbed in the neck in an unprovoked attack near a bus shelter within Birmingham has died, authorities verified.
The deceased woman, aged 34 years, came under attack on Smallbrook Queensway street, just outside the Bullring shopping centre, just prior to 9 PM GMT on Friday, West Midlands Police said.
Djeison Rafael, 21, was presented at Birmingham court on Monday, facing charges for the attack.
He was previously accused of attempted murder however after the woman's death the charge has been updated to include murder.
Law Enforcement Actions
Authorities stated officers would be around the city centre on Monday providing public assurance, and investigators were supporting the victim's relatives.
Investigators are requesting any eyewitnesses who might have observed Mr Rafael, who is described 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, opposite primary access point of New Street railway station.
Law enforcement confirmed they were treating it as a random violent act and Det Insp James Nix said efforts continue to determine why it happened.
Eyewitness Reports
An area worker, who works nearby, described paramedic and police activity when she finished her shift at about 22:00 Friday night.
She described the scene as "quite chaotic", and said some of her colleagues heard loud disturbances around 9 PM.
"Many co-workers use transit services, ride the tramline... our safety is at risk fundamentally, here in the city centre."
Ashley Birks, 25, resident of Stoke, mentioned visiting to Birmingham fairly regularly to see his girlfriend who lives in the city, and was concerned regarding the incident.
"It makes me worried about my partner," he said.
"She lacks transportation and works at major concert locations... considering something completely unprovoked occurred, you know, it's horrible."