The local community is reeling following the horrific killing of a young child, Julian Wood, who was stabbed to death in front of his mother outside a supermarket on June 3, 2024.
Authorities report that Bionca Ellis, armed with two stolen butcher knives, approached Julian while he sat in a shopping trolley and attacked him, stabbing him in the face and back in what witnesses describe as a shocking five-second assault. Julian’s mother, Margot Wood, attempted to save her son, lifting him from the trolley, but he tragically succumbed to his injuries.
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Ellis was arrested shortly afterward, still holding the bloodied knives, and later faced trial. On October 15, she was convicted of aggravated murder, two counts of murder, two counts of attempted murder, one count of endangering children, and a misdemeanour theft charge. Reports indicate that Ellis had a history of theft but no prior violent criminal record.
In court, Margot addressed Ellis, saying, “I hate you with every fibre of my being. I watched him take his first breath when he was born and his last when he died in my arms, covered in blood. The last thing I will ever hear from my son is his scream. I can still see the terror in his eyes, and it haunts me every day.”
Julian’s father, Jared Wood, remembered his son as “funny, outgoing, fearless, and full of life, love, and laughter,” calling Ellis a “monster” and vowing to keep Julian’s memory alive.
The Wood family has received an outpouring of support from the community. A GoFundMe page has been set up to help them during this devastating time. Organizers described the attack as a “random act of violence” and emphasized the profound impact on the family.
The family shared: “We have no explanation as to how or why this happened. She took something from us we can never get back. Our family is overwhelmed with sadness, but we will continue to share stories about our beautiful baby boy — his laugh, his cheesy smile, and the joy he brought to everyone who knew him.”
The case has left a lasting mark on the community, highlighting the unpredictability of violent acts and the profound grief such tragedies leave behind. Julian Wood will be remembered as a bright, joyful child whose life was cut tragically short.