Woman Stabbed in Birmingham City Bus Stop Assault Dies
The female victim who was stabbed in the neck in an unprovoked attack at a bus stop within Birmingham has died, authorities verified.
The deceased woman, aged 34 years, was targeted on Smallbrook Queensway street, right beside the Bullring shopping centre, just prior to 9 PM GMT Friday evening, West Midlands Police said.
Djeison Rafael, twenty-one, was presented at Birmingham court Monday morning, charged over the violent incident.
He was previously accused with attempted murder however after the woman's death the charge has been updated to murder.
Police Response
The force said 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 might have observed Mr Rafael, identified as a Black British national, reportedly dressed in grey athletic wear, dark headwear, athletic shoes with a backpack.
Attack Site Details
The stabbing happened outside Bullring retail complex, opposite primary access point to Birmingham New Street station.
Police said they classified it as "unprovoked attack" with investigators stating efforts continue to determine why it happened.
Witness Accounts
An area worker, who works nearby, recounted paramedic and police activity after completing her shift around 10 PM on Friday.
She described the scene as "quite chaotic", and said some of her colleagues heard a commotion around 9 PM.
"A lot of co-workers use transit services, ride the tramline... our safety is at risk fundamentally, in the downtown area."
Ashley Birks, twenty-five, resident of Stoke, said he came to Birmingham fairly regularly visiting his partner who lives in the city, and was concerned regarding the incident.
"It makes me worried about my partner," he said.
"She doesn't drive employed at all of the big music venues... and to think something completely unprovoked [happened], you know, it's horrible."
