NORTH OLMSTED, Ohio — The family of 3-year-old Julian "JuJu" Wood, who was killed in a double stabbing outside of a Giant Eagle in North Olmsted earlier this week, has announced that it will hold a "memory line" after Saturday's funeral.
In a post on their GoFundMe page, the Wood family sent out the following invitation to the community:
"If you would like to show your support we are asking you to participate in what we are calling a Memory Line. Two of JuJu’s favorite things were the color green and dinosaurs. Please line the street route from St. Charles Borromeo to Sunset Memorial Park on Saturday, June 8th @ 11:45am-1:00pm. Celebrate JuJu’s life by flooding the streets with the color green or dinosaurs."
Community members did indeed show their support on Saturday, with several people lining the streets and donning dinosaur masks and costumes. You can view photos from the memory line below:
Community holds memory line for 3-year-old Julian Wood
Randy Lemasters said he joined the memory line to support Julian's family in their grief.
"It's a tragic thing that's happened to them and they need to see everyone supporting them," Lemasters said. "I can't imagine the grief that that mother's going through, she had to watch it. And the father that wishes he was there, I can't imagine ... I just want this family to know that there are a lot of people out here supporting them today in every way that we possibly can."
James Kerko said he came out to support the family, noting that he has a grandson around Julian's age who also loves dinosaurs. He joined the procession riding a motorcycle adorned with stuffed dinosaurs.
"These people, they didn't deserve this," Kerko said.
Sheila Trinetti brought an inflatable dinosaur that she had shipped overnight. She said she wanted to support the family and that she was in "awe" about the tragic loss.
"I have one son and I could only imagine if anything would have happened to him like this," Trinetti said.
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 in Parma. 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.
GOFUNDME PAGE
As of Thursday afternoon, the GoFundMe page for the Wood family had raised over $200,000. The family posted the below message of thanks along with the route for the memory line.
"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."
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.
Police say Julian Wood died as a result of receiving stab wounds to the face and back, while Margot Wood received non-life-threatening injuries.
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, Ellis will have an arraignment hearing in Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court on Monday, June 10, at 8:30 a.m.
Previous Reporting:
- GoFundMe raises more than $175,000 after 3-year-old boy killed in double stabbing outside North Olmsted Giant Eagle
- Suspect accused of stabbing, killing 3-year-old boy at Giant Eagle in North Olmsted indicted
- 3-year-old child dies after double stabbing at Giant Eagle in North Olmsted, suspect in custody