The woman accused of fatally stabbing 3-year-old Julian Wood in a North Olmsted grocery store parking lot has been ruled competent to stand trial. Bionca Ellis, 33, of Cleveland, was receiving treatment at Northcoast Behavioral Healthcare to determine if she could be restored to competency. But in a hearing on Tuesday, a judge ruled that Ellis is now able to move forward with her trial, which is set to begin on July 14.
Ellis is accused of stabbing Julian and his mother, Margot Wood, 37, as they were leaving the North Olmsted Giant Eagle store on June 3, 2024. Authorities say Ellis stole two knives from a nearby thrift store before allegedly following the victims into the grocery store parking lot and immediately attacking them.
Julian died from his injuries, while Margot survived after being stabbed while trying to protect her son. North Olmsted police arrested Ellis minutes after the attack as she was walking on a nearby road.
Last June, Det. Sgt. Beck spoke to the unclear motive of the attack, “This was entirely a random act of violence,” he said Tuesday in a press conference. “There’s no indication as to why she committed this. She wouldn’t speak about anything, she lawyered up,” Det. Sgt. Beck explained. Ellis has been indicted on charges including aggravated murder, murder, attempted murder, endangering children, and tampering with evidence.
A final pretrial hearing for Ellis is scheduled for June 18, ahead of the July 14 trial date. The judge overseeing the case said Ellis is now stabilized and competent to stand trial.
Julian’s funeral was held on June 8, 2024, as the community came together to support his family during this tragic loss.