NORTH OLMSTED, Ohio — A GoFundMe has raised more than $200,000 for the family of 3-year-old Julian Wood, who was killed in a double stabbing outside of a Giant Eagle in North Olmsted earlier this week.
You can make a donation to the GoFundMe HERE.
The fundraiser had topped $115,000 by 10:30 a.m. Wednesday before jumping to $120,315 by 11:48 a.m. It has now climbed to $201,095 as of 10:21 p.m. Thursday.
On Thursday, the Wood family posted the following message on the GoFundMe page:
"On behalf of Margot, Jared, JuJu’s grandmother Nasra, his siblings, and the rest of our family…
"We are profoundly grateful for the overwhelming generosity and support. Your donations, kind words, and heartfelt messages have provided us with much needed comfort and relief as we navigate through our grief.
"The funds raised will help us cover funeral expenses, legal fees, and support for the family, allowing us to focus on healing and remembering JuJu. Your kindness has not only alleviated some of the financial burdens, but has also brought us a sense of peace knowing that we are surrounded by such a caring community. Each contribution no matter the size, has made a significant impact on our lives."
FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS
Calling hours for Julian will take place from 2-8 p.m. Friday at the Ripepi Funeral Home, which is located at 5762 Pearl Road. His obituary says a Mass of Christian Burial will then be held Saturday at St. Charles Borromeo Church -- 5891 Ridge Road in Parma -- starting at 11 a.m. with interment at Sunset Memorial Park in North Olmsted.
There will be a memory line for Julian that will go from St. Charles Borromeo Church to Sunset Memorial Park. Click here to find out how you can take part.
CASE DETAILS
North Olmsted police said it was shortly after 3 p.m. Monday when Julian and his mother, 38-year-old Margot Wood, were stabbed in the parking lot of the Giant Eagle in the 27200 block of Lorain Road.
Both were taken to the hospital for treatment, but the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office said Julian died from his injuries. Margot is expected to make a full recovery, according to police.
When officers responded to the situation, they found the suspect -- identified as Bionca Ellis of Cleveland -- walking toward Dover Center Road holding a knife. She was taken into custody without incident.
As police continue their investigation, they have said it appears this was “a random act of violence” as Ellis had no prior interactions with the victims before the stabbing.
Ellis has since been indicted on the following charges:
- One count of aggravated murder
- Two counts of murder
- Two counts of attempted murder
- Two counts of felonious assault
- One count of endangering children
- One count of tampering with evidence
- One count of misdemeanor theft
After making an initial appearance in Rocky River Municipal Court earlier this week, she's set for an arraignment hearing in Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court on Monday, June 10, at 8:30 a.m.