A Michigan grandfather tragically lost his life while checking on his three-year-old granddaughter, allegedly at the hands of her nanny. The nanny, Samantha Booth, 35, was arrested in Royal Oak, near Detroit, following a chaotic scene that investigators believe may have been fueled by a drug-induced manic episode.
The incident began when the child’s parents, who were out of town, became concerned after Booth stopped responding to their calls and texts. They requested the girl’s grandfather, 83-year-old David Ong, to check on the situation. However, when Ong also ceased communication, the child’s mother asked her brother-in-law to investigate.
Upon arrival at the home, the brother-in-law discovered a horrific scene. Booth, covered in blood, was in the basement near the three-year-old and Ong’s body, which bore head wounds. Booth, seemingly in a manic state, allegedly attacked the brother-in-law, who managed to fend off the assault, grab his niece, and escape.
The situation escalated as Booth, armed with a screwdriver, pursued them down the street. Royal Oak Police Chief Michael Moore recounted, “She was actually chasing him down the street as he was screaming for help, and some neighbors heard it and ushered him and the child inside.” Moore described the crime as “absolutely horrific.”
When police arrived, Booth was allegedly still in the vicinity. Upon confrontation, she stripped naked and attempted to flee but was quickly apprehended. Officers reportedly found psychedelic mushrooms and marijuana in her bag, although it is unclear whether she was under the influence at the time.
Booth reportedly confessed to the murder from the back of the police car, making a chilling statement to the officers. She had been employed by the family for two years and had no prior criminal record before the incident.
The child’s aunt paid tribute to her father, David Ong, on social media, describing him as a “gentle giant” and a man of “incredible kindness, love, and faith.”
Booth has been charged with first-degree murder and second-degree child abuse, as the horrific incident unfolded in the presence of the toddler. She has been ordered to be held without bond. The child and her uncle sustained minor injuries during the incident.