A 35-year-old nanny in Michigan, Samantha Rae Booth, has been charged with murder and abuse after allegedly killing 83-year-old David Ong, the grandfather of the child she was caring for. The incident unfolded on a weekend when Ong arrived to check on his granddaughter, prompting Booth to exhibit a ‘manic’ episode. In a violent outburst, she stabbed Ong multiple times, fled the scene, and later attacked another family member with a screw, knife. Authorities found her with suspected psychedelic mushrooms and marijuana, adding to the severity of the case. Booth also faced charges of child abuse due to the murder occurring in front of a child. The situation escalated when the child’s uncle arrived, found Ong critically injured, and fled with the child after being attacked by Booth. The uncle and child were treated for minor injuries and released, although Ong succumbed to his injuries. Ong’s daughter expressed profound grief, highlighting Ong’s character as a ‘gentle giant’ and a hero who died protecting his granddaughter.
The tragic event has left the family and community in shock. Authorities have emphasized the need for support and resources for families dealing with such incidents. Ong’s daughter, Kelley, shared a heartfelt statement on Facebook, remembering her father as a man of kindness and faith who always stood by his family. She described his loss as immeasurable, underscoring the tragedy that unfolded. The Royal Oak Police Chief, Michael Moore, issued a statement expressing condolences to the victim’s family, acknowledging the deep impact of the violence. The case has also sparked discussions about the importance of mental health support and safety for children in caregiving settings, as Booth had previously worked with the child without incident. The legal proceedings will continue as the community grapples with the senseless violence and its devastating consequences.