Suspect accused of stabbing child went to police station before attack

NORTH OLMSTED, Ohio — New details are emerging about the moments before a suspect's random attack on a mother and her young son in the parking lot of a North Olmsted Giant Eagle. Bionca Ellis faces charges of murder, aggravated murder and other charges. She is accused of fatally stabbing 3-year-old Julian Wood and injuring his mother Monday afternoon.

North Olmsted police said Ellis had prior contact with officers but never exhibited violent criminal behavior. Body-worn camera footage released Thursday shows North Olmsted officers arresting the 32-year-old man on Wednesday, May 29 on an outstanding arrest warrant.

At the time, Ellis used a wheelchair and pushed a rolling suitcase along the sidewalk near the town's Walmart. She cooperated with police when she was placed under arrest.

“What do you need me to do?” Do you need me to get up? she asked the officer in the body camera video.

Police said Ellis was released Friday. She returned to the North Olmsted Police Department Monday afternoon to ask about some property. Surveillance video from the lobby shows her leaving after learning the arresting officer was not working.

“She was a little disappointed by it, but nothing out of the ordinary,” said North Olmsted Detective Sgt. Matt Beck, explaining that Ellis never showed signs of aggression.

Beck said Ellis went to the Giant Eagle mall across the street, where he said she stole two kitchen knives from a thrift store. She briefly visited another store in the square before dropping one knife and entering the Giant Eagle with the other knife.

Surveillance video from inside the store shows Ellis walking past the store's checkouts, knife in hand, when she comes upon the mother pushing her 3-year-old son into the shopping cart.

After the brief encounter, the video shows the suspect following the family to their car, where police say the assault took place.

“It was about 15 minutes between the time she left our post and the Giant Eagle attack,” Beck said.

Three-year-old Julian Wood died from his injuries sustained in the attack. His mother was treated and released from the hospital for her injuries.

In the parking lot, a memorial was erected in the days following the attack. He attracted the attention of neighbors and others, leaving toys, flowers and decorations.

“It's very sad. I just don't understand. I don't understand at all,” said Lynn Ohlemacher.

She told News 5 her daughter was at the grocery store about 15 minutes before the attack.

“I haven’t felt well since this happened,” she said. “There are no words.”

Mary Lynn Galloway was placing a blue pinwheel in the memorial when she spoke to News 5.

“It was just something I had to do,” she said. “It's so sad. She's just a baby. This lady comes out of nowhere – for what reason? To kill. Why did she do that?”

Investigators said the attack was random and there was no clear motive. Ellis was charged with several counts, including murder and aggravated murder.

Since the attack, the community has rallied around the family. A online fundraising had collected more than $190,000 in donations as of Thursday afternoon.

“My heart goes out to the parents. There are simply no words. I know they're raising money and that's good and all that…but nothing will bring it back. It’s just a horrible thing that happened,” Ohlemacher said.

“My hope for them is that the family receives the justice they deserve,” Beck said. “And may they find peace and comfort and ultimately – I know it's going to be very difficult – but trying to heal from this.”

Galloway added: “He’s in heaven. He is in the hands of God. God has another little angel.

Ellis is scheduled to be arraigned in Cuyahoga County Court on Monday, June 10. She is currently in custody on $1 million bail.