Jury Delivers Guilty Verdict in Horrific Stabbing of 3-Year-Old Outside Cleveland Supermarket

A Cleveland-area jury has delivered a swift and unanimous verdict, finding Bionca Ellis, 32, guilty on all counts in the horrific and unprovoked stabbing death of 3-year-old Julian Wood. The tragic incident, which unfolded outside a Giant Eagle supermarket in North Olmsted, Ohio, in June 2024, shocked the community and garnered national attention for its senseless brutality.

Ellis was convicted of aggravated murder, murder, attempted murder, felonious assault, and endangering children after prosecutors presented compelling evidence of the premeditated and brutal attack.

The jury deliberated for just over an hour and a half before returning the guilty verdict, bringing a measure of justice, though no solace, to Julian's grieving family.

The court heard harrowing testimony recounting how Ellis, who had stolen two knives from a nearby Dollar Tree store moments before, followed Julian and his mother, Margot Wood, into the supermarket.

After observing them, Ellis reportedly waited for them to exit the store, then launched her savage attack in the parking lot. She stabbed the toddler multiple times, killing him, before attempting to stab his mother, who bravely fought back to protect her child.

Prosecutor Michael O'Malley described Ellis's actions as a calculated act of violence, emphasizing the random nature of the attack that left a young boy dead and a family shattered.

Defense attorneys did not contest that Ellis carried out the stabbing but largely remained silent during the proceedings, opting not to present their own witnesses or evidence.

Throughout the trial, Ellis displayed little emotion, often smirking and making unusual gestures, including pointing to her head and hair, behaviors that her attorneys attributed to mental health issues.

However, Judge Nancy Margaret Russo ruled her competent to stand trial, and these actions did not sway the jury from their decision.

Julian's father, Jared Wood, delivered a poignant impact statement following the verdict, expressing the profound loss and devastation his family has endured. He highlighted the beautiful life that was stolen from his son, emphasizing the enduring pain caused by Ellis's horrific act.

Sentencing is scheduled for June 21, where Ellis faces a mandatory sentence of life in prison.

Prosecutors have indicated their intention to seek the death penalty, a decision that underscores the extreme gravity and depravity of her crimes. The community continues to grapple with the senseless violence that claimed a young life, leaving an indelible mark of sorrow and a plea for heightened awareness and protection for all children.