Woman Stabbed in Birmingham City Bus Stop Assault Dies
A woman who was stabbed in the neck during a random assault at a bus stop in Birmingham has passed away, police have confirmed.
The deceased woman, who was 34, came under attack in Smallbrook Queensway, just outside Bullring shopping complex, just prior to 21:00 GMT Friday evening, West Midlands Police said.
Djeison Rafael, 21, was presented at Birmingham Magistrates Court Monday morning, charged over the attack.
Originally charged of attempted murder however after the victim's passing charges were upgraded to murder.
Police Response
The force said police personnel will remain in the downtown area on Monday providing public assurance, while detectives assisted the victim's relatives.
Detectives are appealing for witnesses who may have seen Mr Rafael, who is described as British citizen of Black ethnicity, reportedly dressed in an all-grey tracksuit, dark headwear, trainers and rucksack.
Incident Location
The knife attack occurred outside Bullring retail complex, opposite the main entrance of New Street railway station.
Law enforcement confirmed they were treating it as a random violent act with investigators stating efforts continue to determine the motive behind.
Witness Accounts
Shalini Doal, who works nearby, described paramedic and police activity when she finished her shift at about 22:00 on Friday.
She described the scene as extremely disorderly, and said co-workers reported hearing a commotion at about 21:00.
"A lot of my colleagues use transit services, take the tram... our security is compromised fundamentally, in the downtown area."
Another individual, twenty-five, from Stoke-on-Trent, said he came to Birmingham quite frequently to see his girlfriend resident there, and was concerned regarding the incident.
"It makes me worried for my girlfriend," he stated.
"She doesn't drive and works at all of the big music venues... considering a totally random act [happened], you know, it's horrible."
