Royal Oak, MI – A 35-year-old Michigan nanny has been charged with first-degree murder after allegedly stabbing the 83-year-old grandfather of a 3-year-old girl she was hired to care for. Authorities say Samantha Rae Booth attacked the elderly man with a screwdriver in the basement of the child’s home, leaving behind a horrific scene.
The Incident: Nanny Allegedly Kills Child’s Grandfather
According to the Royal Oak Police Department, the fatal incident occurred on the evening of October 24 at a residence in the 4300 block of Sheridan Drive, approximately 18 miles northwest of Detroit.
Police said that the child’s mother, who was out of town, had asked her father, David Ong, to check on her 3-year-old daughter around 7:50 p.m. while Booth, the nanny, was watching the child.
Ong arrived at the home shortly after but did not contact his daughter, raising concern. Around 9:25 p.m., Ong’s son-in-law arrived at the home to check on both him and the child. Upon entering through the open front door, he heard “noises coming from the basement.”
When he went downstairs to investigate, he was met with a grisly scene.
“He encountered the nanny in a manic state covered in blood and Ong lying on the floor with severe injuries,” the police statement said.
Authorities allege that Booth attacked Ong with a screwdriver, inflicting multiple stab wounds before the son-in-law arrived.
Investigation and Evidence: Escape and Arrest
After discovering the scene, the son-in-law grabbed the child and attempted to flee the basement. Booth allegedly continued to chase and attack them, striking out repeatedly with the screwdriver as they escaped through the house.
The man managed to fight her off and reach a neighbor’s home, where he called 911 at approximately 9:30 p.m.
According to police, Booth then dropped the screwdriver, stripped off all her clothing, and attempted to flee on foot. Officers quickly arrived and took her into custody without further incident.
The 3-year-old and her uncle sustained minor injuries and were treated at a local hospital before being released.
“This was an extremely violent and chaotic scene,” investigators said in their report. “The quick response of the family member likely saved both his life and that of the child.”
Court Proceedings and Charges Filed
Booth has been charged with first-degree murder, second-degree child abuse, assault with a dangerous weapon, and three counts of resisting or obstructing police. She is being held without bond pending further court hearings.
Court documents show that Booth, who has no prior criminal record, refused to attend her arraignment hearing via Zoom on Tuesday morning.
“She’s lying on the floor at the moment, in the middle of the cell, with no clothes on,” an officer informed 44th District Court Magistrate Donald Chisholm during the hearing.
After more than an hour’s delay, Booth eventually appeared on camera. The judge ordered that she remain in custody at the Oakland County Jail, citing her mental and behavioral instability.
It remains unclear when Booth will next appear in court. Police confirmed that she has undergone a psychiatric evaluation following her arrest.
Statements and Reactions from Family and Officials
Authorities described the incident as “deeply disturbing” and praised the son-in-law’s bravery in rescuing the child.
Neighbors in the quiet Royal Oak community said they were shocked by the violent crime, especially involving a caregiver trusted with a small child.
“It’s horrifying to think someone hired to protect a child could turn so violent,” one neighbor told local media.
Family members of David Ong, a well-known local resident, are mourning his loss. He was described as a devoted father and grandfather who was simply trying to protect his granddaughter when tragedy struck.
Background and Legal Context
Under Michigan law, first-degree murder carries a mandatory life sentence without parole. Prosecutors said they plan to pursue the full penalty if Booth is convicted.
Investigators have not yet released a motive but are examining whether Booth experienced a mental health crisis at the time of the killing. Police said she had been employed by the family for a short period and showed no prior signs of instability.
The case has reignited concerns over nanny screening processes and the need for mental health monitoring for in-home caregivers.
Ongoing Developments and Next Steps
The Royal Oak Police Department and Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office continue to review forensic evidence from the crime scene, including the screwdriver and blood samples recovered from the basement.
Booth’s next court appearance is expected within the next two weeks for a preliminary examination hearing. She remains in custody without bond, and officials say the toddler is now safe and under the care of family members.
Conclusion
The shocking death of 83-year-old David Ong has left the Royal Oak community grieving and searching for answers. As prosecutors build their case against Samantha Rae Booth, investigators say their focus remains on securing justice for Ong and ensuring the safety of the child who narrowly escaped the violent attack.
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