Nanny Samantha Rae Booth Charged After Fatally Stabbing David Ong, Toddler’s Grandfather in Royal Oak, Michigan

Royal Oak, MI — Samantha Rae Booth, 35, a nanny, has been charged following the fatal stabbing of David Ong, 83, the grandfather of a two-year-old girl she had been caring for, according to authorities.

The incident unfolded after Katie Ong, the toddler’s mother, was unable to reach Booth and asked her father, David Ong, to check on the nanny and child. When he did not answer calls, Katie’s brother-in-law went to the home and discovered the basement door open. There, he found Booth in a manic state and covered in blood, with David Ong lying deceased.

Nanny Samantha Rae Booth Charged After Fatally Stabbing David Ong, Toddler’s Grandfather in Royal Oak, Michigan

Authorities say Booth then attempted to attack the child’s uncle while trying to grab the toddler. The uncle was able to flee with the child and contact 911. Responding officers found Booth naked and covered in blood, attempting to leave the scene.

A search of Booth’s belongings reportedly revealed psychedelic mushrooms and marijuana, though it is unclear whether she was under the influence at the time of the attack. Booth had no prior criminal history, and the motive for the incident remains under investigation.

Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald praised the bravery of the toddler’s uncle, stating, “We should all be grateful for the brave actions by her uncle to rescue the two-year-old from this horrific and dangerous situation. David Ong’s murder is a shocking tragedy and the person responsible will be held accountable.”

David Ong is pictured with his wife Jacqueline and the couple's granddaughter. He died trying to protect the toddler from her nanny, police and relatives have said 

  

 

Booth now faces six felony charges, including first-degree murder, second-degree child abuse, assault with a dangerous weapon, and three counts of assaulting a police officer. During a recent court appearance via Zoom, Booth refused to cooperate, stripping naked in her holding cell. Her attorney entered a plea of not guilty on her behalf, and the judge denied bond, citing that she poses a danger to society.

David Ong is survived by his wife Jacqueline, their four children, and eleven grandchildren

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