Woman Stabbed in Birmingham Bus Shelter Attack Dies
The female victim stabbed repeatedly to her neck area in an unprovoked attack near a bus shelter in Birmingham has passed away, police have confirmed.
The victim, aged 34 years, came under attack in Smallbrook Queensway, right beside the Bullring shopping centre, just prior to 21:00 GMT Friday evening, according to police statements.
The suspect, twenty-one, was presented at Birmingham court Monday morning, charged over the violent incident.
Originally charged of attempted murder however after the victim's passing charges were upgraded to include murder.
Police Response
Authorities stated police personnel will remain in the downtown area on Monday providing public assurance, while detectives assisted the woman's family.
Investigators are requesting any eyewitnesses who might have observed Mr Rafael, who is described as British citizen of Black ethnicity, reportedly dressed in an all-grey tracksuit, dark headwear, athletic shoes and rucksack.
Incident Location
The stabbing happened outside the Bullring shopping centre, across from the main entrance to Birmingham New Street station.
Police said they were treating it as "unprovoked attack" with investigators stating efforts continue to determine why it happened.
Witness Accounts
An area worker, who works nearby, described the emergency response when she finished her shift around 10 PM Friday night.
She described the scene as "quite chaotic", and said co-workers reported hearing a commotion around 9 PM.
"Many co-workers use transit services, take the tram... our safety is at risk essentially, in the downtown area."
Another individual, twenty-five, from Stoke-on-Trent, mentioned visiting to Birmingham quite frequently to see his girlfriend who lives in the city, expressing concern about what had happened.
"It causes concern about my partner," he said.
"She lacks transportation and works at major concert locations... considering a totally random act [happened], understandably, it's horrible."
