Ohio boy, 3, is stabbed to death in horrific random attack outside Giant Eagle supermarket when woman ran at him and his mother in parking lot
A three-year-old boy has been stabbed to death and his mother injured after a crazed woman attacked them outside a supermarket.
Margot Wood, 38, was loading groceries into the trunk of her car with her son Julian at Giant Eagle in North Olmstead, Cleveland, around 3 p.m. Monday.
Both were rushed to St John Medical Center but Julian died from the flurry of stab wounds to his back and cheek he suffered while in the shopping trolley. His mother’s injuries were not life-threatening.
Police arrested Bionca Ellis, 32, as she walked away from the scene, still clutching a bloody kitchen knife allegedly used in the attack.
Julian Wood, 3, was stabbed to death and his mother Margot Wood, 38, injured. They are pictured at right, with the boy’s grandmother, father Jared Wood and older brother
Julian (right) with his older brother at Christmas 2022 when he was two years old
Heartbreaking photos from the scene showed messages strewn across the asphalt of the car park where the mother and son were attacked.
Julian was born in November 2020 when his parents posted adorable photos of him as a newborn in his older brother’s arms.
Detective Sergeant Matthew Beck said North Olmsted police had no motive for the attack, calling it “completely a random act of violence.”
Ellis was arrested several days earlier, on May 30, when police investigating an unrelated incident at a Walmart arrested her for parole violation.
But she was released hours later and on Monday morning, Ellis went to North Olmsted police to discuss her arrest.
Police arrested Bionca Ellis, 32, (pictured) as she walked away from the scene, still clutching a bloody kitchen knife allegedly used in the attack
Heartbreaking photos from the scene showed messages strewn across the asphalt of the car park where the mother and son were attacked
Julian was stabbed as he sat in his mother’s shopping cart and saw her lying on her side after the attack
Beck said she then bought the knife at a Volunteers of America thrift store and walked to the Giant Eagle, where she saw Wood and her son inside.
They did not interact with each other at all, but Ellis allegedly followed them into the parking lot and charged at them brandishing the knife.
Ellis has “no known violent criminal history” and her criminal record only consisted of stealing from a nearby Walmart, which was reduced to unauthorized use of property.
She was charged with aggravated murder and arraigned Tuesday afternoon in Rocky River Municipal Court, where her bail was set at $1 million.
Police said she could face more charges if the case is presented to the Cuyahoga County Grand Jury.
Julian and Wood were rushed to St John Medical Center but Julian died from the stream of stab wounds to his back and cheek. His mother’s injuries were not life-threatening
Julian was born in November 2020 when his parents posted adorable photos of him as a newborn, cradled in his older brother’s arms
Julian plays with his older brother at their home, while friends comment on how quickly he grew
Giant Eagle said it was providing advice to its employees.
“We were heartbroken to learn that the young victim of yesterday’s senseless act of violence has passed away,” the statement said.
“Our thoughts are with the child, his mother and their loved ones at this incredibly difficult time.”
The same Giant Eagle was the scene of a murder-suicide on June 25 last year.
Bernard Smith shot dead his ex-wife Susan Petterson, 63, as she worked at the store before turning the gun on herself, 20 years after they divorced in 2004.
