On June 3, 2024, an unsuspected act of violence shook the Wood family during a regular shopping trip in North Olmsted, Ohio. The brutal attack led to the death of three-year-old Julian Wood and left his mother, Margot Wood, 38, with injuries in a Giant Eagle supermarket parking lot. Margot is expected to recover from her wounds.
Bionca Ellis, 32, is now being held on charges of aggravated murder. North Olmsted Police Detective Sgt. Matt Beck stated that the suspect had purchased a kitchen knife from a store nearby and, dressed in black, approached the Wood family as they were returning to their vehicle. Ellis reportedly pursued the family and launched the attack close to their car. Julian suffered fatal injuries to his back and cheek, while Margot Wood sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
After the tragic event, North Olmsted Mayor Nicole Dailey Jones expressed her sorrow, saying, “Losing their youngest child in such a violent and senseless way is incredibly devastating. This is a profound tragedy affecting our entire community.” A spokesperson for Giant Eagle also expressed their condolences and affirmed the company’s commitment to support the families impacted and the wider community.
The police were called to the scene following several 911 calls from distressed shoppers who had witnessed the incident. Officers responded swiftly, providing immediate first aid to the victims and arresting Ellis without further conflict. Detective Sgt. Beck revealed that Ellis had the knife used in the attack in her possession when taken into custody. “The investigation into the motive of this attack is still ongoing, but everything learned so far points to this being a random act of violence,” Beck said.
Julian was rushed to St. John Medical Center in Westlake, where he was later declared dead. Margot Wood was treated for her injuries and is expected to fully recover. The police confirmed that there was no prior interaction between Ellis and the victims. Ellis’s criminal record comprises only previous theft offences and a probation violation, with no known history of violence.
Ellis was taken into custody at the scene and is currently held on a $1 million bond. She had a preliminary hearing in Rocky River Municipal Court on June 10 via video conference. Additional charges may follow once the case is presented to the Cuyahoga County Grand Jury.
This fatal incident marks the second act of violence at the same Giant Eagle store within a year, raising concerns about public safety in the area. The previous incident involved a murder-suicide concerning a 63-year-old employee and her ex-husband, which had already put the community in shock.
A spokesperson for Giant Eagle confirmed that the company is offering counseling services to its employees and is prepared to support the North Olmsted community in any way possible. Despite the recent tragic events, the store remains open, continuing to serve as a crucial resource for residents.
The community has responded to the tragedy with profound sorrow and strong support. Mayor Dailey Jones expressed during a press conference, “As a mother, I cannot even begin to fathom the sense of loss that this family is going through. The city and I all share in your loss.”
Support for the Wood family has been overwhelming, with friends, neighbors, and even strangers offering their help. A GoFundMe page established to assist with medical and funeral costs has already raised over $100,000, reflecting the community’s solidarity in this time of loss.