CLEVELAND — A jury has delivered a verdict in the tragic case surrounding the fatal stabbing of a toddler in a grocery store parking lot last year. On Wednesday, Judge John Russo announced that Bionca Ellis had been found guilty on all charges, with sentencing scheduled for October 27.
Following the verdict, Julian Wood’s parents, Margot and Jared Wood, expressed their gratitude for the community’s support. “We just want to thank everyone for the love and support for our son,” Margot Wood stated, emphasizing the significance of the verdict for their family. “Everybody that’s visited him, commented, sent love, we appreciate you guys so much. This was for him today.”
During the trial, which had been marked by delays due to concerns over Ellis’s mental health, the jury heard closing arguments over two days, culminating in deliberations that began Tuesday afternoon. Ellis was indicted last year by a Cuyahoga County Grand Jury on several charges, including aggravated murder and attempted murder, related to the attack on June 3, 2024. The outburst left her victim, toddler Julian, dead, and his mother injured.
Ellis has been held in jail on a $5 million bond since her arrest. The trial’s complexity was compounded by the defendant’s mental state, which was central to her defense claim of not guilty by reason of insanity. Opening arguments were presented on October 6, with eyewitness testimonies and evidence, including videos and 911 calls, shared to establish a detailed understanding of the events of that fateful day.
On October 8, the child’s mother testified, recalling that there had been no prior connection with Ellis, describing the attack as sudden and seemingly unprovoked. The defense, while acknowledging the facts of the case, focused on Ellis’s mental health, arguing that her behavior and medical history indicated she was not in a sound state of mind during the incident.
This case has resonated widely, reflecting deep community concern and the far-reaching impacts of violence. As the Wood family navigates this painful chapter, their resilience and gratitude shine through amid the heartache.