Michigan Nanny Accused of Killing Toddler’s Grandfather With Screwdriver in Basement Attack
ROYAL OAK, MICHIGAN — A Michigan nanny is accused of fatally stabbing an 83-year-old grandfather who came to check on his 3-year-old granddaughter while her mother was away, in what police are calling one of the most disturbing crimes in recent memory.
According to the Royal Oak Police Department, 35-year-old Samantha Rae Booth allegedly attacked David Ong with a screwdriver inside the family’s basement Friday night, leaving the elderly man dead at the scene.
Booth was charged with first-degree murder, second-degree child abuse, assault with a dangerous weapon, and three counts of resisting or obstructing police.
Grandfather Killed After Daughter Asked Him to Check on Toddler
The tragic chain of events began around 7:50 p.m. on October 24, when Ong’s daughter called him from out of town, asking him to check on her 3-year-old daughter, who was being cared for by Booth at their Sheridan Drive home, roughly 18 miles northwest of Detroit.
Ong arrived soon after but never called his daughter back, raising immediate concern. She then asked her brother-in-law to stop by the house and check on both her father and daughter.
When the brother-in-law arrived around 9:25 p.m., he found the front door open and heard noises coming from the basement. Upon going downstairs, he reportedly found Booth “in a manic state covered in blood” and Ong lying motionless on the floor with severe injuries.
Brother-in-Law Fights Off Nanny While Rescuing Child
According to police, Booth allegedly lunged at the brother-in-law with a screwdriver as he grabbed the 3-year-old and tried to flee.
“He picked up the child and attempted to escape from the basement to call 911,” police said. “While fleeing, the man repeatedly fended off continued attacks from the nanny until he was able to escape.”
Outside, Booth allegedly chased the pair down the street, still holding the screwdriver, before dropping it, stripping naked, and attempting to flee on foot.
Police quickly apprehended her nearby. The child and her uncle were hospitalized for minor injuries and later released.
Nanny Refused to Appear in Court, Remains Jailed Without Bond
Booth, who reportedly has no prior criminal record, refused to appear for her initial arraignment hearing on Tuesday morning via Zoom.
“She’s lying on the floor at the moment, in the middle of the cell, with no clothes on,” an officer told 44th District Court Magistrate Donald Chisholm, according to WWJ-TV.
After an hour-long delay, Booth appeared briefly on camera. The judge ordered her held without bond, citing the violent nature of the attack.
Authorities have not revealed any motive behind the killing or what may have triggered Booth’s breakdown.
The case remains under active investigation by Royal Oak Police and Oakland County prosecutors.
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