On June 3, 2024, an unexpected act of violence during a routine shopping trip at a Giant Eagle supermarket in North Olmsted, Ohio led to the death of three-year-old Julian Wood. The incident, which happened around 3 p.m., also resulted in injuries to Julian’s mother, Margot Wood, 38, who was stabbed in the shoulder.

Bionca Ellis, 32, is facing charges of aggravated murder in connection with the assault. According to North Olmsted Police Detective Sgt. Matt Beck, Ellis, clad in black and wielding a kitchen knife she had recently purchased from a nearby store, approached the Woods as they returned to their vehicle after shopping. It is alleged that Ellis pursued the family and launched an attack near their car. Julian, sitting in a shopping cart, was gravely injured, suffering wounds to his back and cheek, while Margot Wood sustained non-critical injuries.

“The loss of their youngest child in such a violent and senseless manner is profoundly heartbreaking. This is a significant tragedy affecting our entire community,” said North Olmsted Mayor Nicole Dailey Jones, reflecting the grief of the community. A Giant Eagle spokesperson echoed the mayor’s sentiments, extending the company’s sympathies and its commitment to support the affected families and the wider community.

Police were alerted to the incident by multiple 911 calls from terrified shoppers who witnessed the attack, which took less than five seconds. The responding officers provided immediate first aid to the victims and apprehended Ellis without further issue. Detective Sgt. Beck noted that Ellis was still in possession of the knife used in the attack when taken into custody. He stated, “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, where he was pronounced dead. His mother’s injuries were treated, and she is projected to fully recover. The police have confirmed that there was no past interaction between Ellis and the victims. Ellis’s criminal history only includes previous theft offenses and a probation violation with no documented violent incidents.

Ellis was arrested at the scene and is currently being held on a $1 million bond. She is set to have a preliminary hearing in Rocky River Municipal Court on June 10, which is expected to be conducted via video conference. More charges are expected once the case is presented to the Cuyahoga County Grand Jury.

This occurrence follows another violent incident at the same Giant Eagle store less than a year earlier, which involved a 63-year-old employee and her ex-husband in a murder-suicide. This has led to ongoing worries about public safety in the area.

A Giant Eagle spokesperson assured that the company is providing counseling services to its employees and is prepared to support the North Olmsted community in any capacity. The store remains open despite the recent tragedies and continues to serve as a vital resource for residents.

“As a mother, I cannot even begin to fathom the sense of loss that this family is going through,” Mayor Dailey Jones said during a press conference. “The city and I all share in your loss.”

The tragic incident has sparked an outpouring of support for the Wood family from friends, neighbors, and strangers alike. A GoFundMe page set up to help with medical and funeral costs has already raised over $100,000, demonstrating the community’s solidarity amidst the tragedy.