Female Victim Stabbed in Birmingham City Bus Shelter Attack Dies
The female victim stabbed repeatedly in the neck during a random assault at a bus stop in Birmingham has passed away, police have confirmed.
The deceased woman, aged 34 years, was targeted in Smallbrook Queensway, just outside the Bullring shopping centre, just prior to 21:00 GMT Friday evening, according to police statements.
The suspect, 21, appeared before Birmingham court on Monday, charged over the violent incident.
Originally charged of attempted murder but following the woman's death the charge has been updated to murder.
Police Response
The force said police personnel will remain around the city centre on Monday providing public assurance, while detectives assisted the woman's family.
Detectives are appealing for witnesses who might have observed Mr Rafael, identified as British citizen of Black ethnicity, and is believed to have been wearing grey athletic wear, dark headwear, athletic shoes with a backpack.
Incident Location
The stabbing happened outside the Bullring shopping centre, opposite primary access point of New Street railway station.
Law enforcement confirmed they classified it as a random violent act and Det Insp James Nix said efforts continue to determine the motive behind.
Witness Accounts
An area worker, employed in the vicinity, recounted paramedic and police activity when she finished her shift at about 22:00 on Friday.
She characterized the location 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 essentially, here in the city centre."
Ashley Birks, 25, resident of Stoke, mentioned visiting the city fairly regularly visiting his partner who lives in the city, and was concerned about what had happened.
"It makes me worried for my girlfriend," he stated.
"She doesn't drive and works at major concert locations... and to think a totally random act [happened], you know, it's terrible."