Cleveland, OH

‘She took everything from us’: Father of 3-year-old murdered at North Olmsted Giant Eagle speaks in court

Published

6 months ago

June 14, 2024

‘She took everything from us’: Father of 3-year-old murdered at North Olmsted Giant Eagle speaks in court

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – The woman accused of stabbing three-year-old Julian Wood to death in the parking lot of the North Olmsted Giant Eagle store, appeared in Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas Monday.

Bionca Ellis initially refused to lift her head during the video hearing or answer the judge’s questions about whether or not she had seen the indictment. Judge Nancy Margaret Russo then ordered an attorney with the public defender’s office to go to the jail and read Ellis the indictment.

About 45 minutes later, Ellis was brought into the courtroom and pleaded not guilty to all the charges; including, aggravated murder.

Bionca Ellis was brought into the courtroom and pleaded not guilty to all the charges; including, aggravated murder.(WOIO)

“Do everything you can to keep this monster behind bars,” said Julian’s dad, Jared Wood, in court.

Judge Russo then set bond at $5 million. It was also announced in court the prosecution is seeking the death penalty in this case.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: 3-year-old dies after stabbing outside North Olmsted Giant Eagle: ‘Random act of violence’

Julian was with his mother, Margot, 37, when they were attacked.

Margot was also injured, but survived.

North Olmsted police arrested Ellis, 32, of Cleveland, minutes after the attack, walking on Dover Center Road with the knife believed to be used in the attack.

According to North Olmsted Police Det. Sgt. Matthew Beck and Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael O’Malley, Ellis stole two knives from the Volunteers of America Thrift Store, next door to Giant Eagle.

She then allegedly walked into Giant Eagle, spotted the victims walking out and followed them, immediately stabbing Julian, who was sitting in the shopping cart.

Memorial for Julian Wood at the North Olmsted Giant Eagle(Bingel, Julia | (Source: WOIO))

Margot was stabbed while trying to pull her child from the grocery cart, said O’Malley.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: New details about woman charged in fatal stabbing outside North Olmsted Giant Eagle

Ellis was indicted on the charges of:

1 count of aggravated murder
2 counts of murder
2 counts of attempted murder
1 count of endangering children
1 count of tampering with evidence
1 count of misdemeanor theft

“This case is truly devastating. I want to express my heartfelt condolences to the Wood family during this difficult time,” said Cuyahoga County Prosecutor O’Malley. “As a father, I could not begin to imagine this grief, but I can promise that we will do everything in our power to bring justice for Julian Wood and the Wood family.”

North Olmsted police said the attack appears to be random.

Julian’s funeral was held on Saturday, June 8.

Ellis is scheduled to return to court on June 17.

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Cleveland, OH

Male shot and killed in Brook Park

Published

2 hours ago

November 27, 2024

Press Room

BROOK PARK, Ohio (WOIO) – A male was shot and killed near the area of West 130th and Holland Road Tuesday.

Police said they got called around 315 p.m. for the shooting.

The shooting is under investigation with no other information available at this time.

Brook Park Police Department will not be releasing any information until on or after Dec. 3, according to Southwest dispatch.

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Cleveland, OH

9 people indicted for illegal bar scheme throughout Cuyahoga County

Published

10 hours ago

November 26, 2024

Press Room

9 people indicted for illegal bar scheme throughout Cuyahoga County

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – The Ohio Investigative Unit and Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office announced a 45-count Criminal Enterprise indictment in connection with a network of illegally operated bars across Cuyahoga County Tuesday.

The investigation uncovered a scheme in which “straw” owners purchased bars illegally as early as 2019, using illegal proceeds to continue to purchase more bars over a period of several years.

According to a press release from OIU, between 2019 and 2024, illegal were established at the following locations: Boozerz and The Bench Lounge in Euclid; Aura-Iconic and Aries Restaurant & Lounge in Garfield Heights; Night Capz and The Score in Cleveland Heights; and Bar Mayfield in South Euclid.

Investigators said that ownership of several of these businesses were later transferred to individuals with significant criminal histories, who would have been prohibited from being documented owners.

The enterprise generated nearly $4 million in illegal profits.

Investigators said that these proceeds were distributed to members of the enterprise and were used to purchase property and fund considerable personal expenses, entertainment, and leisure activities.

While being operated, these premises became significant public nuisances with frequent shootings, gun crimes, assaults, and disturbances, according to the press release. This placed a strain on local law enforcement resources and prompted numerous complaints from residents near these establishments. During the execution of search warrants in October, OIU agents seized cash, business records, and multiple firearms.

Nine people from northeast Ohio were indicted in the enterprise, including:

Randy Pittman (Age 53, of Macedonia)

– Engaging in a Pattern of Corrupt Activity

– Conspiracy

– Tampering with Records (6 counts)

– Grand Theft (4 counts)

– Money Laundering (5 counts)

Sharita Roberts (Age 42, of Newburgh Heights)

– Engaging in a Pattern of Corrupt Activity

– Conspiracy

– Tampering with Records (12 counts)

– Grand Theft (4 counts)

– Money Laundering (5 counts)

Rayshawn Duncan (Age 35, of Cleveland)

– Engaging in a Pattern of Corrupt Activity

– Conspiracy

– Tampering with Records (5 counts)

– Grand Theft (3 counts)

– Money Laundering (2 counts)

Donald King Jr. (Age 43, of Cleveland)

– Engaging in a Pattern of Corrupt Activity

– Conspiracy

– Tampering with Records (2 counts)

– Grand Theft (1 count)

– Money Laundering (1 count)

– Having Weapons Under Disability

Daryel Jones (Age 43, of Cleveland)

– Engaging in a Pattern of Corrupt Activity

– Conspiracy

– Tampering with Records (2 counts)

– Grand Theft (1 count)

– Money Laundering (1 count)

Dewayne Stewart (Age 37, of Cleveland)

– Engaging in a Pattern of Corrupt Activity

– Conspiracy

– Tampering with Records (1 count)

– Grand Theft (1 count)

– Money Laundering (1 count)

Daisha’vu O’Neal (Age 38, of Cleveland)

– Engaging in a Pattern of Corrupt Activity

– Conspiracy

– Tampering with Records (1 count)

– Grand Theft (1 count)

– Money Laundering (1 count)

Tremaine Golston (Age 35, of Cleveland)

– Tampering with Records (1 count)

Jazmyn Barrow-Stover (Age 40, of Solon)

– Tampering with Records (1 count)

In addition to the criminal indictment, 76 Administrative Violations were issued against the liquor permits in use at the involved premises. Those citations will ultimately be heard by the Ohio Liquor Control Commission, with possible sanctions including revocation of the liquor permits.

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Cleveland, OH

Lorain woman missing since Oct. 9 found by US Marshals in Cleveland

Published

17 hours ago

November 26, 2024

Press Room

Lorain woman missing since Oct. 9 found by US Marshals in Cleveland

LORAIN, Ohio (WOIO) – Lorain police say missing mother Desiree Long, 33, has been found safe by the U.S. Marshals in Cleveland.

Long was last seen Oct. 9 and was reported missing Oct. 23.

Lorain police said a U.S. Marshals Task Force found Long Tuesday at an apartment building in Cleveland.

“While there is currently no indication that Ms. Long was the victim of an abduction attempt, the circumstances remain under active investigation,” Lorain Police Cpt. Jacob A. Morris said in a news release.

Desiree Simone Long(Source: Lorain Police Dept.)

The 33-year-old woman is now in the Lorain County Jail on unrelated, outstanding warrants, according to police.

The detective leading Long’s case previously told 19 News she was last seen leaving a home and getting into a car near West 29th Street and Oberlin Avenue in Lorain.

It’s unconfirmed if the person behind the wheel was a rideshare driver or someone she knew.

Long’s family offered a $10,000 reward in connection to the case.

The circumstances around Long’s disappearance remain under investigation, according to police.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Lorain police at 440-204-2105.

“The Lorain Police Department extends its heartfelt gratitude to our law enforcement partners, the media, and, most importantly, the community. The invaluable tips, information, and widespread media coverage played a crucial role in locating Ms. Long safely. Your collective efforts highlight the power of collaboration and community engagement in ensuring public safety.”

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