Ohio Suspect Smiles and Smirks in Court After Fatal Stabbing of Toddler

Bionca Ellis, the suspect in the brutal stabbing death of a 3-year-old boy outside a Giant Eagle supermarket in Ohio, appeared in court and displayed an unsettling demeanor, prompting the victim's father to demand that she be kept behind bars.

In a chilling courtroom scene, Bionca Ellis, the woman accused of fatally stabbing a toddler outside a Giant Eagle supermarket in Ohio, appeared to smile and smirk as a judge read the indictment against her. The display unfolded on Monday in Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court, where Jared Wood, the father of slain 3-year-old Julian Wood, pleaded with the judge to keep Ellis behind bars.

"That day, one week ago, she took everything from us," a grief-stricken Wood told the court. "There's nothing that could ever replace my son or anything that my wife and I, even our other kids, are going through. It's horrendous. I really wish no bail. Period."

Ellis, a 32-year-old from Cleveland, is facing aggravated murder and endangering children charges in relation to the June 3 attack that targeted Wood and his mother, Margot, in the parking lot of the Giant Eagle location in North Olmsted.

Police say Ellis obtained the knife used in the attack at a thrift store next to the Giant Eagle. Surveillance video released by authorities shows her wandering around the shopping center in the moments before the stabbing.

North Olmsted Detective Sgt. Matt Beck told reporters that Ellis "walked over to Giant Eagle, where she was on their cameras, spotted Mrs. Wood and her son and then proceeded to follow them out to the parking lot."

"Somewhere near their vehicle, Mrs. Ellis then attacked the two of them," he added. "There is no indication why she committed this. There is some mental health concerns that we have, but nothing concrete at this point."

In bodycam footage released by police, first responders can be seen giving medical attention to Julian Wood following the stabbing. He later died at a local hospital, while Margot Wood, 37, received treatment for a stab wound to her shoulder, which prosecutors say she suffered while trying to pull her child out of a shopping cart during the assault.

"This case is truly devastating," Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael O'Malley said in a statement. "As a father, I could not begin to imagine this grief, but I can promise that we will do everything in our power to bring justice for Julian Wood and the Wood family."

O'Malley said that Ellis' behavior in court was "disturbing" and "unconscionable."

"I cannot fathom how someone charged with such a heinous crime could show such a lack of remorse," he said. "We will continue to monitor this case closely and ensure that justice is served."

Ellis' attorney, Public Defender Celeste McGovern, did not immediately comment on Ellis' behavior in court or on the charges against her client.

Ellis is scheduled to return to court on June 17 for a preliminary hearing.