The prosecution has rested in the murder trial against an Ohio woman accused of killing a 3-year-old boy outside a North Olmstead grocery store last year.
According to Court TV, Bianca Ellis is in court in Cleveland, facing murder and related charges, in connection with the June 3, 2024, stabbing death of Julian Wood.
Ellis is also accused of stabbing Julian’s mother, Margot Wood, at the Giant Eagle grocery store parking lot.
The defendant allegedly ran toward the victims with a knife before attacking Julian, who subsequently passed away at St. John Medical Center, as CrimeOnline previously reported.
North Olmsted Police Captain Eric Morgan said officers found the suspect nearby, still carrying the kitchen knife she used during the attack.
Police said Julian had a sliced cheek, severed tongued, and a wound to his lung after Ellis stabbed him in the back.
Margot recovered from her injuries and took the stand earlier this week. She recalled her son being in the cart when Ellis randomly approached them while she was loading groceries into her vehicle.
“So, I saw her walking toward us and I noticed she had a knife in her hand and I said, ‘oh no, Julian,’” Wood said. “I moved, and she stabbed him in the side of his face and then stabbed me.”
“She just walked away, like nothing… Just walked away.”
Wood said she had never seen or heard of Ellis prior to the attack.
The defense is largely relying on Ellis’ mental health, arguing that she struggled with issues for years.
Dr. Megan Testa, a forensic psychiatrist, testified that Ellis only became competent to stand trial when she began taking medication.
Records, according to FOX 8, showed that Ellis had a history of dealing with a number of mental health issues, including schizophrenia and delusions. She also had issues with taking her medication.
While in jail, Ellis reportedly refused to take her medicine, claiming she didn’t need it. A jail psychiatrist then found her sitting naked in her cell while she talked about dinosaurs.
The prosecution, however, argued that the crime had been premeditated since Ellis followed the victims “in tandem” out of the store.
Prior to the stabbing, Ellis walked into Volunteers of America and stole two knives, the prosecution said.
A North Olmsted patrolman, officer Oliver Wolcott, testified that he saw Ellis tossing the knife as he approached her, following the attack
“She was walking away from me and as I parked my car and got out of it, she tossed the knife out to her side,” he said.
Defense testimony resumes. It’s unclear if Ellis plans to testify in her own defense.
Check back for updates.
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[Feature Photo: Julian Wood/GoFundMe]
