Accused child killer deemed unfit for trial

A woman accused of fatally stabbing a 3-year-old boy outside an Ohio supermarket has been found incompetent to stand trial. Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Judge John Russo issued the ruling in mid-September.

Bionca Ellis, 33, of Cleveland, will remain hospitalized indefinitely following the decision. Judge Russo stated that Ellis could potentially face trial in the future if her condition improves. This ruling halted all proceedings in this case.

The incident took place in North Olmsted, a Cleveland suburb, on June 3. Authorities claim that Ellis purportedly tailed Julian Wood and his mother, Margot Wood, from within a Giant Eagle supermarket to the parking lot. As Margot Wood prepared to load groceries into her vehicle, Ellis reportedly attacked with a knife, stabbing the child twice in less than five seconds before walking away.

Julian Wood passed away at a hospital due to his injuries. His mother sustained a stab wound to her shoulder, which prosecutors say she received while attempting to protect her son. The motive for the attack remains unclear, with investigators describing it as a random act of violence.

Shortly after the attack, Ellis's bail was initially set at $5 million, with a trial tentatively scheduled for December 9. The public defender's office is representing Ellis in this case.