Police said the woman had no prior history of violent crimes. Stabbed to death A 3-year-old boy outside a grocery store in Ohio.
North Olmsted police said Monday afternoon’s attack was unprovoked and random.
Detective Sergeant Matthew Beck told reporters the assailant has been identified as 32-year-old Bionca Ellis, of Cleveland.
“This was a completely random act of violence.”
The investigation revealed that around 3:00 p.m., Ellis obtained a knife from a thrift store operated by Volunteers of America, then walked to the Giant Eagle grocery store, where he met Margot Wood, 38, of North Olmsted, and her son, Julian Wood.
She allegedly chased them out of the store, stabbing the boy in the head and back and the mother in the shoulder.
Police administered first aid to both victims, who were then taken by ambulance to St. John’s Medical Center, where Julian Wood was pronounced dead.
Beck said police were able to identify the suspect, who was walking toward Dover Center Road while clutching a kitchen knife. Police took the suspect into custody without incident. Ellis was arrested and charged with murder.
Beck said the mother and child had no previous interaction with Ellis and did not have any interactions with him prior to the attack.
“This was a completely random act of violence,” he added.
He also said the entire attack lasted just about five seconds.
news photograph Footage from the scene showed a grocery cart being overturned and some items being thrown onto the pavement in the parking lot.
The mother’s injuries are not life-threatening and she is expected to recover from them.
Ellis’ bail was set at $1 million. Police said other charges are expected to be filed after the case is presented to a Cuyahoga County grand jury.
Ellis had no history of violent crimes, but he had been arrested and convicted of theft at a Walmart in Florida in May.
“Losing your youngest child in such a violent and senseless way is truly heartbreaking.”
North Olmsted Mayor Nicole Daly Jones released a statement offering condolences to the family.
“As the mayor of North Olmsted and as a mother myself, I can only imagine what this family is going through. To lose your youngest child in such a violent and senseless way is truly heartbreaking,” she said.
“We are all deeply saddened by their loss and ask that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers,” Jones added. “Our police department continues to investigate this incident as we work toward healing and moving forward.”
Less than a year after the attack, a murder-suicide had occurred in the same store, committed by a divorced couple.
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