A 32-year-old Ohio woman accused of fatally stabbing a 3-year-old boy outside a Giant Eagle supermarket appeared in court on Monday, June 10, 2024. During the hearing, Bionca Ellis was caught on video smiling and smirking as the judge read an indictment against her.
Bionca Ellis, 32, of Cleveland, Ohio, appeared in Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court on Monday, June 10, 2024, for a hearing related to the fatal stabbing of 3-year-old Julian Wood outside a Giant Eagle supermarket on June 3, 2024. Ellis was arraigned on charges of aggravated murder and endangering children, and her bail was set at $5 million.
During the hearing, Jared Wood, the father of slain toddler Julian, asked the judge to "do whatever you can to keep this monster behind bars." Wood expressed his grief and anger, stating that Ellis had "taken everything from us."
Police believe Ellis obtained the knife used in the attack from a thrift store next to the Giant Eagle. Surveillance footage captured her wandering around the shopping center in the moments before the stabbing. Ellis allegedly approached Wood and his mother, Margot, in the parking lot and attacked them.
Julian Wood was pronounced dead at a local hospital, while Margot Wood, 37, suffered a stab wound to her shoulder. Prosecutors say she was injured while trying to pull her child out of a shopping cart during the assault.
In bodycam footage released by police, first responders can be seen providing medical attention to Julian Wood following the stabbing. The incident has left the community in shock and outrage.
"This case is truly devastating," said Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael O'Malley in a statement. "As a father, I could not begin to imagine this grief, but I can promise that we will do everything in our power to bring justice for Julian Wood and the Wood family."
Ellis's attorney, John E. Pyle, declined to comment on the case outside of court. Ellis is scheduled to appear in court again on June 24, 2024, for a preliminary hearing.
The motive for the stabbing remains under investigation. North Olmsted Detective Sgt. Matt Beck told reporters last week that Ellis had displayed "some mental health concerns," but nothing concrete has been established at this point.
The tragic incident has highlighted the importance of mental health awareness and the need for early intervention. Lawmakers and advocates are calling for increased funding for mental health services to prevent future tragedies.
