On June 3, 2024, a regular shopping trip ended in tragedy for the Wood family from North Olmsted, Ohio when their three-year-old son Julian was killed in a violent attack in the parking lot of a Giant Eagle supermarket. The incident, which took place around 3 p.m., also resulted in injuries to Julian’s mother, Margot Wood, 38.
Charged with aggravated murder is 32-year-old Bionca Ellis. According to North Olmsted Police Detective Sgt. Matt Beck, Ellis, clad in black and armed with a newly purchased kitchen knife, approached the Wood family as they were returning to their car after shopping. It is alleged that Ellis followed the family to their vehicle where she launched her attack. Julian, while still in a shopping cart, suffered fatal injuries to his back and cheek, and Margot Wood was stabbed in the shoulder while trying to protect Julian. The whole incident took less than five seconds.
Mayor Nicole Dailey Jones of North Olmsted spoke of the community’s sorrow, stating, “Losing their youngest child in such a violent and senseless way is incredibly devastating. This is a profound tragedy affecting our entire community.” A Giant Eagle representative voiced similar sentiments, offering the company’s condolences and pledging their support to the affected families and the wider community.
Police were alerted to the crime by several 911 calls from shoppers who witnessed the attack. Officers arrived quickly, administering first aid to the victims and arresting Ellis without further incident. Ellis was still in possession of the knife used in the attack when she was taken into custody. Detective Sgt. Beck reported, “The investigation into the motive of this attack is still ongoing, but everything learned thus far points to this being a random act of violence”.
Julian was taken to St. John Medical Center in Westlake, Ohio, where he was pronounced dead. His mother received treatment for her injuries and is expected to fully recover. The police have confirmed that there was no prior interaction between Ellis and the victims. Ellis’s criminal record includes theft offenses and a probation violation, but no known incidents of violence.
Ellis, who was detained at the scene, is currently being held on a $1 million bond. She is scheduled for a preliminary hearing in Rocky River Municipal Court on June 10 and is expected to participate via video conference. Additional charges are anticipated once the case is presented to the Cuyahoga County Grand Jury.
This incident follows a violent event involving a murder-suicide at the same Giant Eagle store less than a year prior, raising concerns about public safety in the area. A 63-year-old employee and her ex-husband, from whom she was divorced years earlier, were involved in the previous event which also stunned the community.
Giant Eagle has stated that the company is providing counseling services to its employees and is prepared to support the North Olmsted community in every possible way. Despite the recent tragic events, the store remains open and continues to serve its customers.
Mayor Dailey Jones, expressing the community’s deep sorrow and strong support, said 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.”
The unfortunate event has deeply affected many, leading to an outpouring of support from friends, neighbors, and even strangers. A GoFundMe page was set up to assist with medical and funeral expenses and has already raised over $100,000, demonstrating the community’s unity in the face of this tragedy.
