Tragedy in Michigan: Nanny Charged with Murder After Elderly Grandfather’s Deadly Stabbing

In a horrifying incident that has shaken the Royal Oak, Michigan community, 35-year-old Samantha Rae Booth has been charged with first-degree murder after allegedly stabbing an 83-year-old grandfather to death while caring for a 3-year-old child. The court denied Booth bond as she faces multiple serious charges, including second-degree child abuse for allegedly committing the murder in front of the young child, as well as assault and three counts of resisting, assaulting, or obstructing police. According to authorities, Booth appeared to have a “manic” episode during what started as a routine welfare check on the child. What makes this case particularly disturbing is that Booth had been the child’s nanny for two years without any previous incidents, creating a stark contrast to the violent behavior she allegedly displayed during this tragic event.

The incident unfolded in a particularly heartbreaking manner when the child’s mother, who was out of town, grew concerned after asking her father, David Ong, to check on her daughter who was being cared for by Booth. When the mother didn’t receive an update from her father, she sent the child’s uncle to investigate. Upon entering the home, the uncle heard concerning noises from the basement, where he discovered a horrific scene: Booth reportedly covered in blood and in what police described as a “manic” state, with Ong lying severely injured on the floor. Despite emergency medical attempts, Ong was pronounced dead at the scene, having suffered multiple stab wounds in what appears to have been a violent attack while he was simply checking on his granddaughter’s welfare.

The heroism displayed by the uncle in this tragedy cannot be overstated. After discovering the gruesome scene in the basement, he immediately grabbed the 3-year-old child and attempted to flee the home. However, his escape was complicated by Booth’s alleged pursuit with a screwdriver as he tried to protect the young child. According to police reports, the uncle repeatedly had to defend himself and the child from Booth’s attacks as they made their escape from the home. Eventually, he managed to find shelter in a nearby home where they awaited police arrival. Both the uncle and the child sustained minor injuries during the ordeal and were treated at Corewell Hospital, from which they were fortunately released shortly afterward.

Police reports detail Booth’s bizarre behavior following the initial attack. After allegedly abandoning her pursuit of the uncle and child, Booth reportedly dropped the screwdriver, stripped off all her clothing, and attempted to flee from responding officers. When police arrived at the scene, they found Booth with blood on her hands and apprehended her after a brief foot chase. Adding another layer to this disturbing case, authorities reportedly discovered suspected psychedelic mushrooms and marijuana in Booth’s purse. This unusual behavior has raised questions about her mental state during the incident, though no official determinations about her mental condition have been released to the public at this time.

The community has been left reeling from this senseless tragedy, with Royal Oak Police Chief Michael Moore extending condolences to the victim’s family in an official statement: “We extend our deepest condolences to the victim’s family as they cope with this tragic and senseless act of violence. No family should ever have to endure such loss, and we are keeping them in our thoughts.” The shocking nature of the crime—a trusted caregiver allegedly turning violent without apparent warning—has heightened the sense of grief and disbelief throughout the local community. Many residents are struggling to comprehend how someone entrusted with the care of a child could allegedly commit such a violent act, especially against an elderly man who was simply checking on his grandchild’s wellbeing.

Perhaps the most poignant response to this tragedy came from the victim’s daughter, Kelley, who shared her grief in a heartfelt Facebook post honoring her father’s memory and his final act of bravery. “My father, David Ong, died tragically on Friday evening while protecting his cherished 3-year-old granddaughter. The loss is immeasurable,” she wrote. “Anyone who knows my dad knows that he is a gentle giant – a man of incredible kindness, love and faith. I’ve often said he is simply the best man I know. He was a hero on Friday, but to me, he’s always been my hero.” These touching words capture the profound loss felt by the family while also highlighting David Ong’s character and the sacrificial love he demonstrated in his final moments, likely saving his granddaughter from harm. As the legal proceedings against Booth continue, the community mourns the loss of a beloved grandfather whose last act exemplified the protective love that defined his life.