A 3-year-old boy was stabbed to death in broad daylight by an Ohio woman who allegedly attacked the toddler and his mother in what officials say was “a random act of violence” in the Cleveland metropolitan area.
The North Olmsted Police Department said in a statement that the suspect has been identified as 32-year-old Bionca Ellis of Cleveland, Ohio.
Ms. Ellis is currently being held in the North Olmsted Jail on an aggravated murder charge.
She was expected to make her first court appearance on June 4 and “additional charges will be added once the case is presented to the Cuyahoga County Grand Jury,” according to North Olmsted Detective Sgt. Matt Beck.
At approximately 3 p.m. on June 3, police said they received multiple 911 calls reporting that “a black female dressed in all black” was stabbing people in the parking lot of a Giant Eagle supermarket.
Responding officers then located Ms. Ellis walking toward Dover Center Road while “still carrying the kitchen knife used in the attack,” according to Sgt. Beck.
The suspect was taken into custody without incident while other officers rushed to the aid of the two victims, identified as 38-year-old Margot Wood and her 3-year-old son, Julian Wood.
They were both transferred to St. John’s Medical Center for treatment, where the boy later died from his injuries, officials said. Ms. Wood was treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
“The investigation into the motive of this attack is still ongoing, but everything learned thus far points that this was a random act of violence,” Sgt. Beck said. “Ellis and the victims had no prior interactions before this incident.”
‘Absolutely Heartbreaking’
In a statement on June 4, North Olmsted Mayor Nicole Dailey Jones called the stabbing a “terrible tragedy for our entire community.”“As North Olmsted Mayor, and a mother myself, I cannot fathom what this family must be going through. To lose their youngest child in such a violent and senseless manner is absolutely heartbreaking,” Ms. Jones said.
“Our police department continues its ongoing investigation of the crime as we attempt to begin healing and moving forward,” she added. “I commend all our safety forces for their compassion and swift response in the wake of this situation.”
Jannah Jablonowski, a Giant Eagle spokesperson, told NTD via email that the supermarket chain will provide counseling services to store teams and is “ready to support our North Olmsted neighbors however we can.”
“We were heartbroken to learn of the passing of the young victim in this senseless act of violence,” Ms. Jablonowski said. “Our thoughts are with the child, his mother and their loved ones during this unimaginably difficult time.”
“We thank the North Olmsted Mayor’s Office and the community’s first responders for their unwavering commitment,” she added.
