Trusted Nanny Turns Lethal With Screwdriver

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A trusted nanny’s shocking betrayal turned deadly when she murdered an 83-year-old grandfather with a screwdriver, exposing the terrifying vulnerability families face when welcoming strangers into their homes to care for their most precious loved ones.

Story Highlights

Samantha Booth, 35, stabbed David Ong to death with a screwdriver during a welfare check
Two-year family nanny with no criminal history suddenly turned violent in basement attack
Uncle’s heroic rescue saved toddler from further harm as Booth chased them outside
Booth found with psychedelic mushrooms and marijuana, raising questions about substance influence

Trusted Caregiver Becomes Killer in Family Home

Samantha Booth served as the Ong family’s nanny for two years without incident before her shocking transformation into a cold-blooded killer. On October 24, 2025, when the child’s mother couldn’t reach Booth, she asked her father David Ong to check on his 2-year-old granddaughter at their Royal Oak home. Booth met the 83-year-old grandfather in the basement and fatally stabbed him with a screwdriver, shattering the trust this family had placed in her for years.

The grandmother’s worst nightmare became reality when their longtime caregiver showed her true colors. Booth had no prior criminal record and exhibited no warning signs, making this brutal attack even more disturbing for families who rely on in-home childcare services.

Uncle’s Quick Thinking Saves Toddler From Further Violence

When the child’s mother still couldn’t reach anyone at the house, she dispatched the child’s uncle to investigate. He discovered David Ong wounded in the basement and immediately grabbed the toddler to flee the home. Booth pursued them outside with the screwdriver, attempting to attack both the uncle and the child before he successfully escaped with the little girl to safety.

The uncle’s heroic actions likely prevented a double murder, as Booth showed no signs of stopping her rampage. Police arrived to find Booth outside the home with blood on her hands, exhibiting erratic behavior including stripping naked and attempting to flee officers before her arrest.

Substance Abuse Questions Surround Senseless Attack

Investigators discovered suspected psychedelic mushrooms and marijuana in Booth’s possession, raising serious questions about whether drug use triggered this unprovoked violence. The motive remains unclear, but the presence of illegal substances suggests impaired judgment may have contributed to this horrific crime. Police have not confirmed if Booth was under the influence during the attack, leaving families wondering how to protect against such unpredictable threats.

⚠️WARNING: This post describes a violent murder and child abuse.

An 83-year-old grandfather died heroically trying to protect his toddler granddaughter from her nanny, who allegedly attacked them both with a screwdriver.

The tragedy occurred Friday at the Royal Oak, Michigan… pic.twitter.com/nf1MtjOmiV

— True Crime Updates (@TrueCrimeUpdat) October 29, 2025

Booth faces first-degree murder, second-degree child abuse, assault with a dangerous weapon, and resisting police charges. She pleaded not guilty and was denied bond, remaining in custody pending her November 7 court appearance. Prosecutor Karen McDonald praised the uncle’s quick actions while condemning the senseless violence that claimed an innocent grandfather’s life.