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

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‘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.

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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.

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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
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.

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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

Guardians News and Notes: My Kingdom For Some Runs

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Guardians News and Notes: My Kingdom For Some Runs


MLB: MAY 30 Red Sox at Guardians

CLEVELAND, OH – MAY 30: Cleveland Guardians left fielder Stuart Fairchild (17) makes a catch for an during the fifth inning of the Major League Baseball game between the Boston Red Sox and Cleveland Guardians on May 30, 2026, at Progressive Field in Cleveland, OH. (Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Icon Sportswire via Getty Images



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Cleveland, OH

1 dead, 1 in critical condition after Cleveland shooting: EMS

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1 dead, 1 in critical condition after Cleveland shooting: EMS


CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – Cleveland EMS responded to a report for a gunshot wound early Saturday morning.

According to EMS, the report was for the 2800 block of Woodbridge Aveune around 2:40 a.m.

When EMS arrived, an 18-year-old woman was pronounced dead on scene and a 25-year-old man was transported to MetroHealth in critical condition.

According to the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office, the victim was identified as 18-year-old Joshay Andrews, of Cleveland.

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19 News has made call outs to Cleveland Police for more information on the shooting and if any arrests have been made.

This is a developing story. Return to 19 News for updates.

Copyright 2026 WOIO. All rights reserved.



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3 Options For the Cavaliers to Replace GM Mike Gansey

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3 Options For the Cavaliers to Replace GM Mike Gansey


As Cleveland Cavaliers general manager Mike Gansey begins a new chapter with the Philadelphia 76ers, Cleveland will begin searching for a new GM to work with President of Basketball Operations Koby Altman.

While Altman has been the man behind most of Cleveland’s big moves, including trades like the James Harden deal this year, Gansey has been a key part of the scouting and development operations.

Here are three candidates who could replace Gansey and take over some front office responsibilities.

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1. Brandon Weems

Weems could be the most logical candidate for the job, allowing the Cavaliers to make an internal hire. Weems is currently serving as an assistant GM for the team.

He was hired as a director of scouting in 2017 and was promoted to senior director of scouting in 2021. He has been part of several solid draft picks including Darius Garland, Evan Mobley and Jaylon Tyson, while also missing on picks like Isaac Okoro and Emoni Bates.

Weems still overlooks Cleveland’s scouting in his current possession, and still regularly scouts on his own for the team. He’d be a very logical choice to take over for Gansey, being able to help Cleveland get the most out of limited draft picks and help develop some late round talent.

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2. Dave Telep

Once an ESPN analyst, Telep has been a key member of the San Antonio Spurs front office for more than a decade.

He was originally hired as a scouting coordinator, but worked his way up the ranks in the scouting and development department. In 2022 he was promoted to VP of basketball operations, where he helped draft Victor Wembanyama and the rest of the Spurs young cast.

He most recently has served as an assistant GM this season while the Spurs are having a terrific playoff run ahead of schedule. He’ll be a highly coveted prospect for any front office this year, but Cleveland could offer some serious money to acquire him and his development skills.

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3. Matt Lloyd

One of the most experienced candidates who could be looking for a new home this offseason, Lloyd has proven to be a front office guy who is willing to make big moves.

He began his career in the late 90s with the Chicago Bulls, worked with the Orlando Magic for a decade, and has been with the Minnesota Timberwolves for the past few seasons. 

Lloyd has been a part of a Timberwolves organization that has been active. Some of their splashes include swapping Karl Anthony-Towns for Julius Randle and Donte Divincenzo with the Knicks, and acquiring both Rudy Gobert and Mike Conley from the Utah Jazz.

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Lloyd has helped lead Minnesota to two conference finals, and a second round playoff trip this year. Having a voice telling Altman to pull the trigger on franchise-changing moves could be the difference in Cleveland’s success soon.

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