Medical testimony described more than 40 wounds in the Royal Oak case.
ROYAL OAK, Mich. — A Michigan nanny accused of killing an 83-year-old grandfather with a screwdriver while caring for his young granddaughter faced new court testimony this week in a case that began with a welfare check at a Royal Oak home.
Samantha Rae Booth, 36, is charged with first-degree murder, second-degree child abuse, assault with a dangerous weapon and three counts of resisting or obstructing police in the death of David Ong. Prosecutors say Ong went to his daughter’s home on Oct. 24, 2025, after the child’s mother, who was out of town, could not reach Booth. The child was 3 at the time, according to police.
Police said Ong did not respond after arriving at the house, so the child’s mother asked another relative to check on him and the girl. The child’s uncle went to the home near Sheridan Drive and Woodward Avenue around 9:30 p.m. and found the front door open. Royal Oak Police Chief Michael Moore said the uncle went inside and saw Booth in the basement covered in blood. “She attacked the victim repeatedly with a screwdriver,” Moore said.
The uncle found Ong with severe injuries and grabbed the child, police said. As he tried to leave, Booth allegedly attacked him and chased him and the child outside while armed with a screwdriver. The uncle and child escaped to a neighbor’s home and called 911. Both suffered minor injuries and were treated at Corewell Hospital before being released. Officers said Booth dropped the screwdriver, removed her clothing and ran before she was arrested after a short foot chase.
Oakland County Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Ljubisa Dragovic testified during a preliminary examination that Ong suffered more than 40 penetrating wounds to his head and face. He also described injuries to Ong’s chest, back, hands and forearms. Dragovic said the wounds were consistent with a screwdriver or similar tool and that injuries to Ong’s hands and forearms were consistent with defensive wounds. He said the cause of death was multiple sharp-force injuries and the manner of death was homicide.
Investigators said officers recovered three screwdrivers near Ong’s body. Prosecutors have alleged Booth was under the influence of psychedelic mushrooms during the attack, and police said suspected mushrooms and marijuana were found in her purse. Authorities have not said toxicology findings have confirmed whether drugs played a role. Police said Booth had known the family for about two years, had cared for the child before and had no known criminal history.
Booth was ordered held without bond after her arraignment. A judge is expected to decide after the preliminary examination whether there is enough evidence for the case to proceed toward trial. Prosecutors said the child abuse charge is tied to the allegation that the attack happened in front of the child. Booth has not been convicted, and the charges remain allegations unless proven in court.
Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald said the uncle’s actions helped get the child out of the home. “We should all be grateful for the brave actions by her uncle to rescue the two-year-old from this horrific and dangerous situation,” McDonald said after the charges were filed. Moore also offered condolences to Ong’s family, calling the killing a “tragic and senseless act of violence.”
The case remains in district court as testimony continues. The next milestone is the judge’s ruling on whether Booth will stand trial on the murder and related charges.