Female Victim Knifed in Birmingham City Bus Stop Attack Dies
A woman stabbed repeatedly to her neck area in an unprovoked attack at a bus stop within Birmingham has died, authorities verified.
The deceased woman, aged 34 years, came under attack in Smallbrook Queensway, right beside Bullring shopping complex, just prior to 9 PM GMT on Friday, according to police statements.
Djeison Rafael, twenty-one, appeared before Birmingham court on Monday, charged over the violent incident.
Originally charged with attempted murder but following the victim's passing the charge has been updated to murder.
Law Enforcement Actions
The force said police personnel will remain around the city centre on Monday providing public assurance, and investigators were supporting the victim's relatives.
Detectives are appealing any eyewitnesses who may have seen Mr Rafael, who is described as British citizen of Black ethnicity, and is believed to have been wearing an all-grey tracksuit, black hat, athletic shoes 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 "unprovoked attack" with investigators stating efforts continue to determine the motive behind.
Eyewitness Reports
An area worker, employed in the vicinity, described the emergency response after completing her work period at about 22:00 Friday night.
She characterized the location as extremely disorderly, and said co-workers reported hearing loud disturbances at about 21:00.
"A lot of my colleagues use transit services, ride the tramline... our security is compromised essentially, in the downtown area."
Ashley Birks, 25, resident of Stoke, said he came to Birmingham quite frequently to see his girlfriend resident there, 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 [happened], you know, it's terrible."
