Boy, 3, dies after toddler and mum stabbed in 'random' supermarket attack

04 June 2024 , 18:05

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The mum was about to load her shopping into her car when they were attacked (Image: wect6news)

A three-year-old boy has tragically died after he and his mum were stabbed in a supermarket car park in what police believe was a random attack.

The toddler, identified as Julian Wood, and his mother, Margot Wood, were attacked outside a Giant Eagle supermarket in North Olmstead, Ohio, just after 3pm on Monday, June 3.

Margot was about to load her shopping into her vehicle when someone ran at the mother and son with a knife and stabbed them both, police said. The quick response of the North Olmsted division officers led to the apprehension of the suspect and immediate first aid for the victims.

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The suspect has been identified as 32-year-old Bionca Ellis from Cleveland (wect6news)

Both Julian and his mother were rushed to a nearby hospital by paramedics, but sadly, the young boy succumbed to his injuries. Julian suffered stab wounds to his back and cheek, according to police reports.

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Margot survived the horrifying ordeal and is currently recovering from non-life-threatening injuries. The suspect has been named as 32-year-old Bionca Ellis from Cleveland, as reported by WECT News 6. Police have confirmed that she had no prior connection with the victims.

Court records show that Ellis was previously charged with theft from a Walmart in North Olmsted in 2023, which resulted in a conviction for unauthorised use of property. The motive behind this shocking act of violence remains unclear. Ellis now faces charges of aggravated murder.

"Our hearts go out to the two victims of what appears to be a random act of violence," said North Olmsted Mayor Nicole Dailey Jones in a heartfelt statement. Giant Eagle has released a statement about the incident stating: "We are aware of the reported incident and are working with the authorities. For the moment, they (the authorities) are the best source for information."

Police believe the attack was random (wect6news)

Alarmingly, this is the same Giant Eagle supermarket in which a murder-suicide occurred back in June 2023. Distressed shoppers at the store spoke out about their reaction to the incident.

Abby Weaver, a local resident, said to News 5: "I am just completely shocked because I have grown up here my whole life, so I was just even shocked to hear that that happened. It's just tragic to hear that it happened so close to our home."

Another shopper, Al Zalek, shared his fears about the situation saying: "It's scary knowing you can't even go to the grocery store anymore, and after things that have happened in the past, it's like, you know, what's going on?"

Ffion Lewis