North Olmsted, Ohio – A mother is overcome with grief after a tragic incident in which her 3-year-old son lost his life in a random attack at a local grocery store. The mother, identified as Margot Wood, 38, and her son, Julian Wood, were both stabbed by a suspect later arrested by North Olmsted police.
Bionca Ellis, 32, of Cleveland, was taken into custody in connection to the crime. Julian and Margot were rushed to St. John’s Medical Center for treatment, but unfortunately, Julian succumbed to his injuries. His mother, on the other hand, was treated for non-life-threatening injuries and is expected to recover.
Ellis faced charges of aggravated murder after being arraigned via video from jail on Tuesday. Her bond was set at $1 million. The authorities received multiple 911 calls reporting a Black woman in black clothing randomly stabbing people in the parking lot of a Giant Eagle grocery store on Lorain Road, on June 3 around 3 p.m.
The investigation revealed that the attack was unprovoked and that there were no prior interactions between Ellis and the victims. Surveillance footage showed Ellis acquiring a kitchen knife before following Margot and Julian out of the grocery store and assaulting them at their vehicle. Margot is expected to physically recover, but the emotional trauma will likely stay with her for life.
Mayor Nicole Dailey Jones expressed her condolences to the family, calling the incident a tragedy for the entire community. She urged residents to keep the family in their thoughts and prayers as they navigate through this difficult time. Ellis was apprehended without incident as she walked towards Dover Center Road with the knife still in her possession.
Though Ellis had a history of prior arrests, none of them were for violent offenses before the tragic events at the grocery store. The motive for the attack is still under investigation, with authorities describing it as a senseless act of violence that has shaken the community to its core.