CLEVELAND, Ohio - Bionca Ellis’ attorneys are expected to argue at trial next month that insanity prevented her from knowing her actions were wrong when authorities say she stabbed 3-year-old Julian Wood to death.

At a hearing Wednesday, Cuyahoga County prosecutors revealed no plea agreement has been offered to Ellis. Her attorney, Fernando Mack, said he didn’t seek one.

If convicted, she could face life in prison.

The hearing was the last to be held ahead of the Oct. 1 trial date for a case that has garnered statewide media attention. Ellis, 34, of Cleveland, initially pleaded not guilty to aggravated murder in the June 3, 2024, death of Wood.

She changed her plea last week to not guilty by reason of insanity. The plea hints at her trial strategy: Her attorneys must prove by a prepo

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