CLEVELAND – Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael C. O’Malley announced that a Cuyahoga County grand jury has returned an indictment charging Bionca Ellis, 32, for stabbing and killing 3-year-old Julian Wood and stabbing his mother, 37, at a Giant Eagle in North Olmsted.

“This case is truly devastating. I want to express my heartfelt condolences to the Wood family during this difficult time. 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.”

Prosecutor Michael C. O’Malley

On June 3, 2024, around 3 p.m., Bionca Ellis stole two knives from the Volunteers of America Thrift Store next to the Giant Eagle near Lorain Road and Dover Center Road in North Olmsted. After obtaining the knife, Bionca Ellis walked next door to the Giant Eagle. As Ellis entered the Giant Eagle, she spotted the victim and her 3-year-old child, Julian Wood, exiting the store. Ellis followed them and immediately stabbed the 3-year-old, located in the shopping cart, multiple times. His mother attempted to pull him out and was also stabbed. Several people called the police and reported the stabbing.

The North Olmsted Police Department (NOPD) arrived at the scene and located Ellis walking toward Dover Center Road with a knife in her hand. She was arrested on scene without incident. North Olmsted Police officers and EMS began providing life-saving aid to Julian Wood. Julian Wood and his mother were transported to a nearby hospital. Julian Wood was later pronounced deceased. His mother was treated for her injuries.

The investigation is being conducted by the NOPD and remains ongoing. At this time, the attack is believed to be random. There is no information to indicate that Ellis knew the victims or had any prior interaction with them.

On June 4, 2024, Bionca Ellis was indicted on the following charges:

  • One count of Aggravated Murder
  • Two counts of Murder
  • Two counts of Attempted Murder
  • Two counts of Felonious Assault
  • One count of Endangering Children
  • One count of Tampering With Evidence
  • One count of Misdemeanor Theft

Ellis will be arraigned at the Cuyahoga County Justice Center at a later date.