Bionca Ellis, a 32-year-old woman from Ohio, appeared in court on Monday after being charged with the murder of 3-year-old Julian Wood and the attempted murder of his mother, Margot Wood. However, what was most shocking about her appearance in court was her demeanor – Ellis was grinning and giggling as she listened to the charges against her.
As the judge, Nancy Margaret Russo, read out the indictment against Ellis, the defendant continued to smile and bob her head along to the words being said. In fact, during a video hearing prior to her court appearance, Russo had to remind Ellis to lift her head and when asked if she had read the indictment, Ellis simply replied, “I don’t know.” Later in court, when asked if she had read the indictment, Ellis said she did not want to read it, to which the judge responded by reading it out loud. This triggered more giggles and smirks from Ellis.
Jared Wood, the father of the slain 3-year-old boy, spoke during the hearing and expressed the devastating impact of Ellis’ actions on his family. “That day, one week ago, she took everything from us. There’s nothing that could ever replace my son or anything that my wife and I, even our other kids, are going through,” he said. He also pleaded with the judge to keep Ellis behind bars without bail or at least set a high bail amount to ensure she remains in custody.
Russo ultimately set bond at $5 million. Ellis was indicted on numerous charges, including aggravated murder, murder, attempted murder, felonious assault, and more. The incident occurred in the parking lot of a Giant Eagle store in North Olmsted, where police say Ellis stole two knives from a nearby thrift store. As Julian and Margot were leaving the store, they were suddenly attacked by Ellis, who had no prior interactions with them.
Sergeant Matt Beck stated that while the investigation into the motive of the attack is ongoing, all evidence points to it being a random act of violence. Ellis has had previous run-ins with the North Olmsted police for theft, but there is no history of violent crimes in her record.
The court appearance of Bionca Ellis was disturbing and disturbingly unusual. Her smirking and giggling as she listened to the charges against her only added to the shocking nature of the crime she is accused of committing. The family of Julian Wood is still struggling with the loss of their son and the injuries inflicted on his mother.
PURE EVIL: Bionca Ellis, woman accused of stabbing 3-year-old Ohio boy to death in grocery store parking lot, smirks and giggles as the charges are read to her
(Video via WEWS) pic.twitter.com/R2TTZLr2WZ
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) June 10, 2024
The motive behind the attack remains unknown and Ellis has no known history of violence, making it all the more perplexing and terrifying. A bond of $5 million was set for Ellis, who will be facing numerous serious charges for her alleged actions. The case continues to be a traumatic and heartbreaking ordeal for all involved.