A Michigan nanny has been charged with first-degree murder after authorities say the grandfather of the child in her care was fatally attacked inside a Royal Oak home. Police identified the victim as David Ong, 83, and the suspect as Samantha Booth, 35, who was working as a caretaker for Ong’s toddler granddaughter.
According to Royal Oak Police, the incident unfolded on October 24 when Ong was asked to check on his granddaughter after her mother was unable to reach Booth. The child’s mother, who was out of town, became concerned when Ong did not respond and contacted a relative to go to the house.
What Police Say Happened
Police say the child’s uncle entered the home and heard noises from the basement. When he went downstairs, he allegedly found Booth in a manic state and Ong suffering from serious injuries consistent with an attack involving a screwdriver.
The uncle picked up the child and attempted to leave the basement, authorities said. Booth allegedly pursued him with a screwdriver, forcing him to fend off attacks while trying to escape with the toddler. The man and child ultimately made it to another home nearby and called 911. Both sustained minor injuries, according to police.
Before officers arrived, Booth removed her clothing and dropped the screwdriver, per police. She was detained at the scene and taken into custody without further incident.
Charges, Court Status & Evidence
Booth has been charged with first-degree murder, one count of second-degree child abuse, one count of felonious assault, and three counts of resisting a police officer, authorities said in a public update. Police also noted that Booth had no prior criminal history before her arrest.
As of now, it is not clear if Booth has entered a plea. She was initially scheduled to appear virtually in court on October 28. According to local outlets Fox 2 and Click On Detroit, Booth was reportedly uncooperative during the scheduled proceeding and hid in her holding cell without clothing. The Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office reportedly said Booth had been acting normally earlier that day.
Prosecutors also said police found psychedelic mushrooms in Booth’s purse, Fox 2 and Click On Detroit reported. Authorities have not stated whether substances played any role in the alleged attack, and no determination has been made regarding impairment.
Family Connection And Ongoing Investigation
Booth was not a stranger to the household, according to reports. Fox 2 and Click On Detroit noted that she had known the family for approximately two years and previously cared for the child without incident. Police have not released additional details about the family’s arrangements or the length of the specific babysitting engagement on the day of the incident.
Royal Oak Police shared initial details of the case in a Facebook post, underscoring that the investigation remains active. Detectives are continuing to review evidence, interview witnesses, and piece together a full timeline of events. Authorities have not released a potential motive.
Ong’s death has drawn attention in the community for its disturbing nature and the involvement of a caregiver in a family setting. While investigators have outlined the sequence of events they say occurred, the case will move forward through the courts as prosecutors present their evidence and the defense responds.
Booth remains in custody as the legal process continues. Additional hearings are expected, and further updates from the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office and Royal Oak Police are likely as more information becomes available. Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to contact local authorities.
For now, the focus remains on the well-being of the child and the ongoing criminal proceedings. The toddler and the child’s uncle were treated for minor injuries after escaping the home and seeking help. Police have not reported any additional injuries connected to the incident.
As with any active case, details may be clarified or expanded in future filings and hearings. Officials emphasize that the charges are allegations at this stage, and Booth is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Royal Oak Police have not announced any public statements from the family beyond the investigative information already shared. The department’s initial account, coupled with local court reporting, forms the basis of what is currently known about the events of October 24 and the related court proceedings on October 28.
Screen Rant will continue to monitor updates from law enforcement and local outlets as the case progresses. Further developments, including court rulings, plea entries, and evidentiary findings, are expected in the weeks ahead as prosecutors move forward.
