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Bionca Ellis, 34, was sentenced to life without parole for fatally stabbing three-year-old Julian Wood outside a North Olmsted Giant Eagle in June 2024 and wounding his mother, Margot. Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Judge John Russo imposed the punishment after a jury in October found Ellis guilty of aggravated murder and related charges. Authorities said Ellis stole two knives from a nearby thrift store, followed the family, and stabbed the boy twice. Prosecutor Michael C. O’Malley called the act “heartbreaking.” Ellis’ attorneys called the ruling wrong, plan to appeal, and had pursued an insanity plea.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.