A tragic incident unfolded outside a Giant Eagle supermarket in Ohio, where a woman was charged with fatally stabbing a 3-year-old boy. Shockingly, the woman had been released from custody by a judge just days before the attack, despite being referred for a mental health evaluation.
The woman, identified as Bionca Ellis, had also made claims to police in Cleveland about killing a woman in California. However, investigators in Bakersfield deemed her confession not credible.
Rocky River Judge Brian Hagan, who had released Ellis three days before the fatal stabbing, stated that there were no red flags or indications of mental distress or violent tendencies during her court appearance.
Prior to the stabbing, Ellis had been taken into custody for a probation violation related to a 2023 arrest for petty theft at a Walmart store. Although a magistrate referred her for a mental health evaluation, the lack of available resources meant she would have had to remain in jail for days on a minor offense.
During court proceedings, concerns were raised about Ellis's behavior, with the magistrate questioning if she had fallen asleep and suggesting a mental health evaluation to ensure she understood the court's requirements.
Tragically, Ellis went on to fatally stab the young boy, Julian Wood, on June 3, injuring his mother in the process.
Reports indicate that Ellis had previous encounters with the law, including warrants issued for battery in California. In February, she confessed to a murder in Bakersfield, but authorities found no matching cases under investigation.
Ellis also expressed a desire to 'kill someone' to Cleveland Police, leading to her hospitalization for a mental health evaluation, during which she became combative with medical staff and officers.
In March, she was arrested in Florida for trespassing after refusing to leave a hotel. Ellis's mother, Yolanda Eggleton, attributed her daughter's actions to hallucinations and adverse reactions to medications.
Eggleton expressed deep sorrow for the family of the victim, emphasizing that no child should suffer such a tragic fate. The community remains shocked and saddened by the senseless loss of young Julian Wood's life.
