Woman Stabbed in Birmingham Bus Stop Attack Succumbs to Injuries
A woman stabbed repeatedly to her neck area during a random assault at a bus stop in Birmingham has passed away, police have confirmed.
The deceased woman, aged 34 years, came under attack in Smallbrook Queensway, just outside Bullring shopping complex, just prior to 9 PM GMT Friday evening, according to police statements.
Djeison Rafael, 21, was presented at Birmingham Magistrates Court on Monday, charged over the violent incident.
Originally charged with attempted murder however after the victim's passing charges were upgraded to include murder.
Police Response
Authorities stated officers would be around the city centre on Monday providing public assurance, while detectives assisted 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 an all-grey tracksuit, black hat, trainers with a backpack.
Incident Location
The stabbing happened near the Bullring shopping centre, across from the main entrance of New Street railway station.
Law enforcement confirmed they were treating it as "unprovoked attack" with investigators stating efforts continue to determine the motive behind.
Eyewitness Reports
Shalini Doal, who works nearby, recounted 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 a commotion around 9 PM.
"A lot of my colleagues use transit services, take the tram... our safety is at risk essentially, here in the city centre."
Ashley Birks, 25, from Stoke-on-Trent, mentioned visiting to Birmingham quite frequently visiting his partner resident there, and was concerned about what had happened.
"It makes me worried for my girlfriend," he stated.
"She doesn't drive employed at major concert locations... considering a totally random act [happened], understandably, it's horrible."
