CLEVELAND — Opening statements began Monday in the trial of Bionca Ellis, the woman accused of fatally stabbing 3-year-old Julian Wood and injuring his mother outside a Giant Eagle in North Olmsted.

Ellis, 34, appeared before Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Judge John Russo to face charges that include aggravated murder, attempted murder, and felonious assault. Prosecutors say Ellis followed Margot Wood and her son Julian from the grocery store on June 3, 2024, before attacking them in the parking lot.

Julian died from his injuries; his mother survived. Ellis was arrested a short time later while walking towards Dover Road, allegedly holding a knife.

After spending months in a mental health facility, Ellis was deemed competent to stand trial , and the defense eventually changed her ple

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