Fugitive Ohio Suspect Caught Working as Police Officer in Mexico 20 Years After Fatal Stabbing

After two decades on the run, an Ohio suspect accused of fatally stabbing a toddler outside a supermarket has been apprehended in Mexico. The 62-year-old suspect, Bionca Ellis, smiled and smirked during her court appearance, prompting the victim's father to urge the judge to "keep this monster behind bars."

Ohio suspect Bionca Ellis, accused of fatally stabbing a toddler outside a Giant Eagle supermarket, has been arrested in court and is now facing murder charges. The victim's father, Jared Wood, implored the judge to keep Ellis "behind bars" during the hearing.

Ellis appeared in court on Monday, June 10, 2024, dressed in a police uniform. The arrest marks the culmination of a two-decade-long manhunt for Ellis, who fled Ohio after allegedly stabbing the victim, Julian Wood, in 2004.

Fugitive Ohio Suspect Caught Working as Police Officer in Mexico 20 Years After Fatal Stabbing

According to witnesses, Ellis and Julian Wood's father had an argument inside the supermarket, which escalated into a physical altercation outside. A security camera allegedly captured Ellis fatally stabbing the victim in the face.

After fleeing Ohio, Ellis is believed to have traveled to Oaxaca, Mexico, where he lived for many years under a different identity. He was reportedly employed as a police officer in Zapotitlan Palmas before his arrest.

Fugitive Ohio Suspect Caught Working as Police Officer in Mexico 20 Years After Fatal Stabbing

When taken into custody, Ellis was wearing his police uniform and initially denied killing the victim. However, investigators had gathered substantial evidence against him, including security footage of him buying bullets hours before the stabbing and the discovery of the murder weapon hidden under the floorboards of his Ohio home.

Detective Mark Henson, who worked on the case in 2004, tracked Ellis to New Jersey before learning he had escaped to Oaxaca. "We had a direct indictment against him. It was just a matter of waiting to find him," Henson said.

Fugitive Ohio Suspect Caught Working as Police Officer in Mexico 20 Years After Fatal Stabbing

Authorities began actively searching for Ellis in January of this year and discovered his Facebook page, which showed him working as a police officer in Oaxaca. "I'm like, 'My God, there he is!'" former deputy Paul Newton said. "A little bit grayer, a little bit older, but it was him."

Ellis left behind a wife and three children in Ohio when he fled the country. Authorities have notified the victim's family of his arrest and extradition.

Fugitive Ohio Suspect Caught Working as Police Officer in Mexico 20 Years After Fatal Stabbing

The U.S. Marshals Office released a statement confirming Ellis' arrest, stating that he was handed over to U.S. Marshals in Mexico City on Thursday and charged with first-degree murder.

Ellis' extradition and return to Ohio are currently underway. He is scheduled to face trial in Butler County, where he faces charges of murder and fleeing the scene of a crime.

The victim's family has expressed relief and gratitude for the arrest. They have stated that they hope to see justice served for Julian Wood's tragic death.