Woman Stabbed in Birmingham Bus Shelter Attack Succumbs to Injuries
A woman stabbed repeatedly in the neck during a random assault near a bus shelter within Birmingham has passed away, police have confirmed.
The victim, aged 34 years, was targeted on Smallbrook Queensway street, just outside the Bullring shopping centre, shortly before 9 PM GMT on Friday, according to police statements.
The suspect, 21, appeared before Birmingham Magistrates Court on Monday, charged over the attack.
Originally charged of attempted murder however after the woman's death the charge has been updated to include murder.
Law Enforcement Actions
The force said officers would be in the downtown area through Monday providing public assurance, while detectives assisted the woman's family.
Detectives are appealing for witnesses who may have seen Mr Rafael, who is described as British citizen of Black ethnicity, and is believed to have been wearing an all-grey tracksuit, dark headwear, athletic shoes with a backpack.
Attack Site Details
The knife attack occurred near the Bullring shopping centre, 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 why it happened.
Eyewitness Reports
Shalini Doal, employed in the vicinity, recounted the emergency response after completing her shift at about 22:00 Friday night.
She characterized the location as extremely disorderly, adding that co-workers reported hearing loud disturbances around 9 PM.
"A lot of co-workers use transit services, ride the tramline... our security is compromised essentially, in the downtown area."
Another individual, 25, from Stoke-on-Trent, said he came the city quite frequently to see his girlfriend resident there, and was concerned about what had happened.
"It makes me worried about my partner," he said.
"She doesn't drive employed at major concert locations... considering something completely unprovoked occurred, you know, it's horrible."
