Police in Ohio have released surveillance footage showing a woman stalking a mother and her 3-year-old son at a supermarket before fatally stabbing them in a parking area last week.
The victims were identified as Julian Wood (3) and Margot Wood (38) of North Olmsted, Ohio. The suspect, Bionca Ei Ellis (32) from Cleveland, has been arrested and faces charges including murder, attempted murder, and felony assault. She is currently in custody on a $1,000,000 bond.
The motive for the attack is still under investigation, but initial findings suggest it was a random act of violence. The police believe the suspect and the victims had no prior connection. Ellis had a known history of theft, but her criminal background beyond that remains unclear.
Surveillance footage from the supermarket shows Ellis entering the store at 2:58 PM allegedly with a stolen knife. Ellis is then seen heading towards the self-checkout and encountering Margot and Julian Wood.
After passing by the Woods, Ellis turns around and follows them, leading to the tragic events in the parking lot. The police received multiple 911 calls reporting the stabbings around 3:00 PM on June 3.
Officers arrived at the scene and arrested Ellis, recovering the knife used in the assault. Margot Wood was treated for injuries, but young Julian succumbed to his wounds.
Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael C. O’Malley expressed condolences to the Wood family and vowed to seek justice for Julian. He called the case “extremely tragic” and emphasized the commitment to ensuring accountability for the devastating loss.