NORTH OLMSTED, Ohio — A 3-year-old boy was tragically stabbed to death in an unprovoked attack outside a grocery store in North Olmsted, police said. The incident occurred on Monday afternoon and shocked the community.
The attacker, identified as 32-year-old Bionca Ellis of Cleveland, had no prior history of violent crime according to authorities. Detective Sergeant Matthew Beck described the assault as “entirely a random act of violence.”
Investigation revealed that Ellis obtained a kitchen knife from a local thrift store shortly before the attack. Eyewitnesses reported that she followed 38-year-old Margot Wood and her son Julian Wood outside the Giant Eagle grocery store. Without warning, Ellis allegedly stabbed the young boy in the head and back. The mother was also injured on her shoulder.
The police provided immediate first aid to both victims and their injuries were treated at St. John Medical Center. Tragically, Julian Wood was pronounced dead at the hospital.
Authorities were able to apprehend Ellis soon after the incident. She was found walking towards Dover Center Road, still clutching the murder weapon. Ellis has been charged with aggravated murder and is now in custody. Police are considering additional charges pending the outcome of the investigation.
Detective Sergeant Beck emphasized that the victims had no prior connection or interaction with the attacker. He also revealed that the entire attack lasted only a matter of seconds.
The mother is expected to recover from her non-life-threatening injuries.
North Olmsted Mayor Nicole Dailey Jones expressed her condolences to the grieving family, stating, “To lose their youngest child in such a violent and senseless manner is absolutely heartbreaking. We are all terribly sorry for their loss and I ask everyone to keep them in thought and prayer.”
This tragic incident comes less than a year after a murder-suicide occurred between a divorced couple at the same grocery store.
Police have not yet determined a motive for the attack, as the investigation is still ongoing.