Ohio Woman Convicted for Fatal Supermarket Attack That Claimed Toddler’s Life

A tragic case that shocked the U.S. has come to a close in Ohio, where 31-year-old Bionca Ellis has been convicted for the fatal stabbing of two-year-old Julian Wood outside a supermarket.

The devastating incident occurred on June 3, 2024, when Julian’s mother, Margot Wood, was unloading groceries outside a store in the Cleveland area. During that time, Ellis reportedly approached and attacked the young child without provocation.

Emergency services responded immediately, but despite medical efforts, Julian sadly did not survive. Ellis was apprehended nearby within minutes of the attack.

At the Cuyahoga County Court, Ellis was convicted on October 15, 2025, on multiple charges including aggravated murder, two counts of murder, two counts of attempted murder, child endangerment, and theft.

During emotional court proceedings, both parents delivered powerful victim-impact statements that moved the courtroom to tears.

Julian’s father, Jared Wood, described his son as “funny, outgoing, fearless, and full of laughter,” saying that his family’s life had been “forever shattered.” He told the court, “All of our hearts will forever be missing a piece. It’s now up to us to keep his light shining.”

His mother, Margot, spoke directly to the convicted attacker, expressing her pain and heartbreak over the loss of her child. She said her family now visits the cemetery to feel close to him, emphasizing that their lives will never be the same.

Ellis, who had a history of petty theft but no known violent record, addressed the court to apologize for her actions, saying she was “deeply sorry” for what had happened. Her attorney, Fernando Mack, described the tragedy as the result of “a different version of Bionca,” referencing her reported mental health struggles.

The case has prompted widespread discussion across the United States about mental health, early intervention, and community safety, especially when individuals with prior legal histories show signs of instability.

Following the verdict, local authorities and advocacy groups have renewed calls for improved mental health outreach programs and stronger support for families coping with trauma.

The court is expected to announce Ellis’s sentencing in the coming weeks.