CLEVELAND – Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael C. O’Malley announced that Bionca Ellis, 34, was found guilty on all charges for stabbing and killing 3-year-old Julian Wood and stabbing his mother, 37, at a Giant Eagle in North Olmsted. She will be sentenced on October 27, 2025, at 8:30 a.m.

“My thoughts and prayers remain with the Wood family. I can’t imagine the anguish they must feel after the loss of Julian.”

Prosecutor Michael C. O’Malley

On June 3, 2024, around 3 p.m., Bionca Ellis, 34, 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, in the store and followed them. After the victim paid for her groceries and walked towards the exit of the store, Bionca Ellis followed the victim and her son into the parking lot.  Ellis continued to follow them to their vehicle 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.

On October 15, 2025, Bionca Ellis was found guilty 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 Misdemeanor Theft

She will be sentenced on October 27, 2025, at 8:30 a.m.