A jury in Ohio has convicted Bionca Ellis, 34, of Cleveland, in the fatal stabbing of 3-year-old Julian Wood outside a North Olmsted supermarket on june 3, 2024. Ellis faces a sentencing hearing on October 27 before Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Judge John Russo, who will determine if she receives life in prison with or without the possibility of parole. She has been held on a $5 million bond as her indictment last year.
The nine-count guilty verdict, reached after a weeklong trial, includes charges of aggravated murder, felonious assault, child endangering, and aggravated theft. prosecutors from the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s office, led by Michael C. O’Malley, presented evidence showing ellis entered a Giant Eagle grocery store armed with two knives stolen from a nearby volunteers of America Thrift Store. She then targeted Julian and his mother, Margot Wood, in the parking lot.
According to authorities, Ellis attacked the pair in under five seconds, stabbing Julian twice. the toddler died at a hospital, while Margot Wood was treated for a stab wound to her shoulder sustained while attempting to protect her son.
Ellis’ defense argued not guilty by reason of insanity.
Following the verdict, Margot Wood and Julian’s father, Jared Wood, expressed gratitude for the community’s support. “Everybody that’s visited him,commented,sent love,we appreciate you guys so much,” Margot wood said. “This was for him today.”
In a Facebook statement, Prosecutor O’Malley conveyed his condolences to the Wood family, stating, ”I can’t imagine the anguish thay must feel after the loss of Julian.”
