Michigan Nanny Allegedly Kills Grandfather, Attacks Family
A routine night of childcare in Royal Oak, Michigan, turned into a horrifying tragedy when a trusted nanny allegedly went on a violent rampage, killing an elderly grandfather and attacking a toddler and her uncle. The shocking incident left a family devastated and the local community stunned.
The Attack
Authorities identified the suspect as 35-year-old Samantha Rae Booth, who now faces multiple felony charges, including:
First-degree murder
Child abuse
Assault
Three counts of resisting a police officer
The events began while the toddler’s mother was out of town. She had left her daughter in Booth’s care and asked her father, 83-year-old David Ong, to check on her. When Ong didn’t respond, the mother sent her brother-in-law to the home.
Around 9:30 p.m., the uncle heard disturbing noises from the basement. He found Booth covered in blood and Ong gravely injured. As he tried to flee with the toddler, Booth allegedly chased them with a screwdriver. The uncle managed to fend her off and seek help from nearby residents while calling 911. Both he and the toddler sustained minor injuries and were treated at a local hospital.
Booth reportedly stripped off her clothing, discarded the weapon, and fled, but she was quickly apprehended by police.
Investigation Details
Booth had no prior criminal history and had worked for the family for about two years without incident.
Police found psychedelic mushrooms and marijuana in her possession.
During transport, Booth reportedly said:
“I f***ed him up — and yes, I did it. God, it was too easy.”
Her initial court appearance was delayed after she refused to wear clothes or stand for the video arraignment. She was denied bond and remains in custody, with her next court date scheduled for November 7.
Impact and Community Response
The attack has left a family mourning the loss of a beloved father and grandfather while coping with the trauma inflicted on the child and uncle. Beyond the violence, the case highlights a profound betrayal of trust, with a caregiver turning deadly in the very home she was supposed to protect.
Authorities continue investigating what prompted the shocking outburst, as the community searches for answers to a night that began like any other but ended in tragedy.