Female Victim Stabbed in Birmingham Bus Shelter Attack Succumbs to Injuries
A woman who was stabbed in the neck in an unprovoked attack near a bus shelter in Birmingham has died, authorities verified.
The deceased woman, aged 34 years, came under attack on Smallbrook Queensway street, just outside the Bullring shopping centre, shortly before 21:00 GMT Friday evening, according to police statements.
Djeison Rafael, twenty-one, was presented at Birmingham court on Monday, facing charges for the attack.
He was previously accused with attempted murder however after the victim's passing charges were upgraded to include murder.
Police Response
Authorities stated officers would be in the downtown area on Monday providing public assurance, and investigators were supporting the victim's relatives.
Detectives are appealing for witnesses who might have observed Mr Rafael, who is described as British citizen of Black ethnicity, reportedly dressed in grey athletic wear, black hat, trainers and rucksack.
Incident Location
The knife attack occurred outside the Bullring shopping centre, opposite the main entrance to Birmingham New Street station.
Police said they classified it as "unprovoked attack" and Det Insp James Nix said efforts continue to determine why it happened.
Witness Accounts
Shalini Doal, 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 some of her colleagues heard a commotion around 9 PM.
"Many co-workers use transit services, ride the tramline... our safety is at risk essentially, in the downtown area."
Ashley Birks, twenty-five, from Stoke-on-Trent, mentioned visiting the city quite frequently to see his girlfriend resident there, and was concerned about what had happened.
"It makes me worried for my girlfriend," he stated.
"She doesn't drive and works at all of the big music venues... considering something completely unprovoked occurred, you know, it's terrible."
