The prosecution has concluded its case in the murder trial concerning an Ohio woman charged with the killing of a toddler outside a grocery store in North Olmstead last year.
Bianca Ellis is currently on trial in Cleveland, facing charges of murder and related offenses, related to the tragic stabbing incident on June 3, 2024, resulting in the death of Julian Wood, as covered by Court TV.
Ellis is also accused of stabbing Julian’s mother, Margot Wood, at the Giant Eagle grocery store parking lot.
Allegedly, the defendant charged at the victims wielding a knife before attacking Julian, who later died at St. John Medical Center, as previously reported by CrimeOnline.
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, Julian’s mother, survived her injuries and testified earlier this week. She recounted that her son was in the shopping cart when Ellis suddenly approached them while she was loading groceries into their car.
“I saw her coming towards us with a knife, and I said, ‘oh no, Julian,’” Wood testified. “I tried to move, but she stabbed him on the side of his face and then attacked me as well.”
“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.
According to FOX 8, records indicate that Ellis has a history of mental health issues, including schizophrenia and delusions. Additionally, she struggled with adhering to her medication regimen.
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.
[Feature Photo: Julian Wood/GoFundMe]
