ROYAL OAK, Mich. – Royal Oak nanny Samantha Booth, accused of fatally stabbing a child’s grandfather while allegedly under the influence of psychedelic mushrooms, appeared in court Thursday as prosecutors presented graphic testimony about the victim’s injuries during a preliminary examination.
The hearing focused on the death of David Ong, 83, who investigators say was killed Oct. 24, 2025, inside a Royal Oak home where the suspect had been caring for his 2-year-old granddaughter.
Oakland County Chief Medical Examiner and Chief Forensic Pathologist Dr. Ljubisa Dragović testified on Thursday (June 25) that Ong suffered more than 40 penetrating wounds to his head and face, along with additional injuries to his chest, back, hands, and forearms.
He said the wounds were consistent with a screwdriver or similar tool.
“There was evidence of active bleeding,” Dragović testified, describing injuries that fractured facial bones and caused bleeding into the mouth and nasal cavity.
Graphic injuries described in court
The forensic pathologist told the court the wounds reflected both sharp-force and blunt-force trauma and said some injuries overlapped, meaning the total number of wounds may have exceeded those documented in his report.
Dragović testified that injuries to Ong’s hands and forearms were consistent with defensive wounds, indicating Ong attempted to protect himself during the attack.
A defense objection was overruled, with the judge ruling the pathologist’s decades of experience qualified him to offer that opinion.
“It was a process where the victim was able to inhale, to breathe, and also to try to fend off,” Dragović testified, explaining that the injuries were not immediately fatal.
He ruled the death a homicide caused by multiple sharp-force injuries and their complications.
Defense questions medical findings
During cross-examination, defense attorney Jim Amburg questioned whether some injuries could have resulted from other causes, including a fall or CPR performed by first responders.
Dragović acknowledged certain injuries could have alternative explanations in isolation, but testified that the overall pattern of trauma supported his conclusions.
“If you insist on only one mechanism, it doesn’t meet the actual findings,” Dragović said.
Dragović also testified that toxicology testing showed Ong had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.06 at the time of his death.
The judge sustained a prosecution objection when the defense attempted to question whether that level could have affected Ong’s behavior.
Officer describes scene
Royal Oak police Officer Austin Pelitz also testified, describing the officers’ response to the home after reports of a woman outside covered in blood.
Pelitz said officers found the front door open and discovered Ong at the bottom of the basement stairs.
He testified that a bag had been placed over Ong’s head and that three screwdrivers were found near the body.
On cross-examination, Pelitz acknowledged he is not a forensic pathologist or blood-spatter expert.
On redirect, prosecutors emphasized his role was to respond to the emergency and assist the victim.
Background on suspect, charges
Police previously said they found the then 35-year-old Booth outside the home naked and covered in blood after responding to reports of a man calling for help.
Ong’s 2-year-old granddaughter was found inside the home unharmed.
The suspect has been charged in connection with Ong’s death.
Prosecutors have alleged she was under the influence of psychedelic mushrooms at the time of the attack.
The preliminary examination is scheduled to continue on Friday.
A judge will determine whether there is sufficient evidence to proceed to trial.
Watch the full hearing below