OAKLAND COUNTY, Mich. – Police said a Royal Oak nanny said, “I did it,” after the gruesome stabbing death of 83-year-old David Ong, right in front of his 2-year-old granddaughter.
“While being transported to the station,” police said, “Booth stated, ‘I f*** him the f*** up — and yes, I did it. God, it was too easy.’”
Now, 35-year-old Samantha Rae Booth, of Chesterfield Township, is charged with six counts, including first-degree premeditated murder. Police called it one of the most disturbing crimes they’ve ever seen.
“She attacked the victim repeatedly with a screwdriver,” said Royal Oak Police Chief Michael Moore. “An absolutely horrific crime.”
Attack Unfolded While Family Was Away
The attack happened on Oct. 24, 2025, on Sheridan Drive near Woodward Ave, where Booth had reportedly worked as a nanny for about two years.
Police told Local 4 the child’s mother, who was out of town, became worried when she couldn’t reach Booth and called her father, David Ong, to check in.
When Ong stopped answering, police said she called her brother-in-law, who rushed to the home around 9:30 p.m.
“The brother-in-law arrived at the home, saw the door was open, went inside, and actually saw the suspect covered in blood in the basement,” Chief Moore said.
Also in the basement, Ong’s body was found — stabbed “dozens and dozens and dozens of times,” according to sources, with “several screwdrivers.”
Police said the brother-in-law grabbed the toddler and ran for help as Booth allegedly chased them through the street, still holding a screwdriver.
“She actually chased the male and the child as they were running from the home,” Chief Moore said. “She was chasing them down the street.”
Neighbors said Booth was “not coherent” and “speaking gibberish” as she stripped off her bloody clothes and tried to attack others, even police, before being taken into custody.
“She stripped off all of her bloody clothing and dropped the screwdriver in the driveway,” Moore said.
Police and paramedics tried to save Ong, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The toddler and her uncle suffered minor injuries and were treated at Corewell Hospital before being released.
Family Remembers a Devoted Grandfather
“David Ong’s last selfless act to save his granddaughter tells you all you need to know about him,” said a family friend. “He was a truly remarkable man who loved his family more than anything in the world and would do anything for them.”
The family added that the 83-year-old “believed deeply in education and proudly supported his four children through many years of Catholic school and college. His favorite hobby was his family.
He never missed an event — from soccer games to dance recitals, piano and guitar performances, graduations, weddings, births, and birthdays.”
Police said Booth has no prior criminal record, but investigators found psychedelic mushrooms in her purse and believe she may have been under the influence during the attack.
She refused to speak or even leave her jail cell during Tuesday’s arraignment, reportedly still naked four days after the alleged murder.
A magistrate almost immediately denied bond, calling her “a present danger to society.”
“No family should ever have to endure such loss,” Chief Moore said. “We extend our deepest condolences to the victim’s family as they cope with this tragic and senseless act of violence.”
Booth’s next court appearance is scheduled for Nov. 7 in 44th District Court.
Investigators are still waiting on toxicology results to determine whether drugs played a role.