Photo: Royal Oak Police Department
A 35-year-old nanny, Samantha Rae Booth, faces charges of first-degree murder after allegedly fatally stabbing 83-year-old David Ong in Royal Oak, Michigan, over the weekend. Booth, who was caring for a 3-year-old at the time, was denied bond after her arrest. The incident began when Ong, the child's grandfather, went to check on his granddaughter at the request of her mother, who was out of town. Upon arrival, he was reportedly attacked by Booth, who appeared to be in a "manic" state.
After the attack, Booth allegedly assaulted another family member with a screwdriver, stripped naked, and attempted to flee the scene. Police reported finding suspected psychedelic mushrooms and marijuana in her possession. The uncle managed to rescue the child and take shelter in a nearby home until police arrived. Both sustained minor injuries.
Booth, who had been caring for the child for two years without incident, was also charged with second-degree child abuse and assault with a dangerous weapon. The child abuse charge stems from the alleged murder occurring in front of the child. The Oakland County Prosecutor's Office confirmed that Booth had no prior criminal history. Royal Oak Police Chief Michael Moore expressed condolences to the victim's family, calling the act "tragic and senseless."