In a devastating incident outside a grocery store in Ohio, a 3-year-old child was fatally stabbed and his mother injured, according to local police. The incident occurred on Monday afternoon in the parking lot of a Giant Eagle store in North Olmsted, around 20 miles southwest of Cleveland.

Authorities identified the suspect as Bionca Ellis, a 32-year-old resident of Cleveland. Sgt. Matt Beck, a North Olmsted police detective, revealed that Ellis had obtained a butcher knife or kitchen knife from a Volunteers of America thrift store before heading to the Giant Eagle. Surveillance footage from inside the grocery store captured Ellis noticing Margot Wood and her son and subsequently following them to the parking lot.

Once near their vehicle, Ellis reportedly launched an attack on Wood and her son. Beck explained that the 3-year-old, who was seated in the front of a shopping cart, suffered stab wounds to his face and back, while Wood sustained an injury to her shoulder. Despite life-saving efforts, the child succumbed to his injuries.

It remains unclear how Ellis obtained the knife or whether she paid for it, Beck stated. The motive behind the stabbing remains unknown as well. Beck clarified that there had been no altercation inside the grocery store prior to the attack. The surveillance video indicated that Ellis simply passed by Wood and then turned around to follow her out of the store.

Investigations have concluded that the incident appears to have been a random act of violence, with no apparent connection between Ellis and the victims. Ellis was swiftly arrested on a charge of aggravated murder, and authorities confirmed that she was in possession of the knife at the time of her arrest.

Mayor Nicole Dailey Jones expressed profound sadness over the tragedy, stating, "Our hearts go out to the victims of what appears to be a random act of violence." Law enforcement revealed that Ellis had a previous arrest for petty theft at a Walmart in North Olmsted. She was also reportedly arrested in the past for a non-violent crime in Florida. However, no prior indications of violent tendencies had been reported.

As the investigation continues, it remains unclear whether Ellis has secured legal representation. The community of North Olmsted is left mourning the loss of a young life and searching for answers in the wake of this senseless act of violence.