Father pleads to judge to keep ‘monster’ responsible for murdering 3-year-old son in jail

CLEVELAND (WOIO/Gray News) - The woman accused of stabbing a young child to death in an Ohio parking lot appeared in court for the first time this week.

Bionca Ellis, 32, is facing several charges related to the death of 3-year-old Julian Wood that occurred in the parking lot of a North Olmsted Giant Eagle store on June 3.

During Monday’s court appearance, Ellis initially refused to lift her head during the video hearing or answer the judge’s questions about whether she had seen the indictment.

Judge Nancy Margaret Russo then ordered an attorney with the public defender’s office to go to jail and read her the indictment.

About 45 minutes later, Ellis was brought into the courtroom and pleaded not guilty to all the charges; including, aggravated murder.

“Do everything you can to keep this monster behind bars,” Julian’s father, Jared Wood, said in court.

Judge Russo then set Ellis’ bond at $5 million. The prosecution also said it would be seeking the death penalty.

When they were attacked, Julian was with his mother, Margot Wood, 37.

Margot Wood was injured but survived.

North Olmsted police arrested Ellis minutes after the attack as she was seen walking nearby with the knife believed to be used in the attack.

Police said Ellis stole two knives from a thrift store in the same parking lot before following the boy and his mother out of a business next door and stabbing them.

Julian was still sitting in a shopping cart when the attack happened, and his mother was reportedly trying to get him out.

Ellis is facing charges that include murder, endangering children and theft.

“This case is truly devastating. I want to express my heartfelt condolences to the Wood family during this difficult time,” Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael O’Malley said. “As a father, I could not begin to imagine this grief, but I can promise that we will do everything in our power to bring justice for Julian Wood and the Wood family.”

North Olmsted police said the attack appears to be random.

The family said they have been left devastated after losing Julian but are grateful for receiving the outpouring of support since his death.

Ellis is scheduled to return to court on June 17.

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