Woman, who decided to foIIow a mother and her 3-year-oId whom she had never met after steaIing bIades from a nearby store before using them to infIict fataI injuries on the chiId while they were waIking to their vehicIe, is convicted

Ohio – An Ohio woman was found guiIty of all nine charges in the fataI stabing of 3-year-old JuIian and his parent, the County Prosecutor’s Office announced. Those charges included aggravated murder, attempted murder, felonious assauIt, and endangering children.

The incident occurred on June last year, outside a  supermarket in Ohio. The defendant, 34-year-old B. EIIis, armed with two bIAdes stolen from a nearby thrift store, approached the victim and his mother, Marggot, as they were loading groceries into their vehicle. Without warning, the defendant attacked, stabing the child twice and injuring his mother as she attempted to protect her son. The assault lasted less than five seconds. The child later died at a hospital, and the parent was treated for her injuries.

According to the Ohio authorities, the defendant walked into the supermarket, noticed the mother and son, and began following them. The parent paid for their groceries and left the store, walking into the parking lot, while the defendant remained behind.

She continued to follow them to their vehicle and assaulted the 3-year-old in the shopping cart, stabbing him multiple times. His mother tried to pull him out and was also stabbed. Several bystanders called the police to report the incident.

Following the attack, the defendant was apprehended by the responding police officers, who found her walking away from the scene with a bIade in her hand. She was arrested without incident. Investigators later determined that the defendant had stolen the knives from the store.

During the trial, the woman’s defense team entered a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity, citing her history of schizophrenia. However, the jury found her guilty on all charges after a weeklong trial. The County Prosecutor O’MaIIey expressed gratitude to the jury for their careful deliberation.

The defendant is scheduled for sentencing on October 27, 2025, before County Common Pleas Judge Ruso. She faces life in prison with or without the possibility of parole.

The tragic incident has raised questions about public safety and mental health issues. While the defendant’s defense cited her mental health history, the jury ultimately determined that she was criminally responsible for her actions. The case underscores the importance of addressing mental health concerns while ensuring accountability for violent crimes.