Female Victim Stabbed in Birmingham City Bus Shelter Attack Succumbs to Injuries
The female victim stabbed repeatedly to her neck area during a random assault near a bus shelter in Birmingham has died, police have confirmed.
The victim, aged 34 years, came under attack in Smallbrook Queensway, just outside Bullring shopping complex, just prior to 9 PM GMT Friday evening, West Midlands Police said.
Djeison Rafael, twenty-one, appeared before Birmingham court on Monday, facing charges for the violent incident.
Originally charged with attempted murder however after the victim's passing the charge has been updated to include murder.
Police Response
Authorities stated police personnel will remain in the downtown area through Monday providing public assurance, 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 an all-grey tracksuit, dark headwear, athletic shoes and rucksack.
Attack Site Details
The stabbing happened outside Bullring retail complex, across from primary access point to Birmingham New Street station.
Law enforcement confirmed they classified it as "unprovoked attack" and Det Insp James Nix said they were working to understand the motive behind.
Witness Accounts
An area worker, employed in the vicinity, recounted paramedic and police activity after completing her shift around 10 PM on Friday.
She described the scene as "quite chaotic", and said co-workers reported hearing loud disturbances around 9 PM.
"Many co-workers take public transport, ride the tramline... our safety is at risk fundamentally, in the downtown area."
Another individual, twenty-five, from Stoke-on-Trent, mentioned visiting to Birmingham fairly regularly to see his girlfriend resident there, and was concerned about what had happened.
"It causes concern about my partner," he said.
"She doesn't drive employed at all of the big music venues... and to think a totally random act occurred, understandably, it's horrible."