A trusted nanny with suspected psychedelic mushrooms brutally murdered an 83-year-old grandfather and terrorized his family with a screwdriver, exposing the deadly consequences of drug-fueled violence infiltrating American homes.
Story Snapshot
- Samantha Rae Booth, 35, stabbed David Ong multiple times while babysitting his 2-year-old granddaughter
- Police found suspected psychedelic mushrooms and marijuana in Booth’s purse after the attack
- Booth chased the child and uncle with a screwdriver, forcing them to seek refuge at a neighbor’s home
- The nanny was held without bond on first-degree murder and child abuse charges
Trusted Caregiver Turns Deadly
Samantha Rae Booth had cared for the family’s 2-year-old daughter for two years without incident before the October 24 attack that claimed David Ong’s life. The 35-year-old nanny was babysitting when Ong arrived at his daughter’s Royal Oak, Michigan home around 7:50 p.m. to check on the child and caregiver. When Ong failed to contact his daughter, she sent her brother to investigate, leading to the horrific discovery.
The uncle found Booth in a manic state and Ong severely wounded from multiple stab wounds. Police discovered the elderly grandfather had been brutally attacked while trying to ensure his granddaughter’s safety. This violation of trust represents every parent’s worst nightmare – a caregiver they believed was protecting their child instead became the source of unthinkable violence.
Drug-Fueled Rampage Terrorizes Family
After stabbing Ong, Booth’s violent spree continued as she chased the child’s uncle and the 2-year-old with a screwdriver. The terrified family members fled to a neighbor’s home for protection while Booth remained in her drug-induced rage. Royal Oak Police arrested Booth and discovered suspected psychedelic mushrooms and marijuana in her possession, providing crucial evidence of what likely triggered her deadly behavior.
Mental health experts have warned about the unpredictable and dangerous effects of psychedelic substances, which can cause severe behavioral changes and aggressive outbursts. This case demonstrates how recreational drug use creates public safety risks that extend far beyond the user, endangering innocent families who trust these individuals with their most precious possessions – their children.
Justice System Responds Appropriately
Oakland County prosecutors moved swiftly to charge Booth with first-degree murder and second-degree child abuse, ensuring she remains behind bars without bond. The charges reflect the severity of her actions and the threat she poses to community safety. This decisive response sends a clear message that those who exploit positions of trust while under the influence of dangerous substances will face the full weight of the law.
The case underscores the critical need for comprehensive background checks and ongoing monitoring of childcare providers. Families must be able to trust that caregivers are drug-free and mentally stable. This tragedy serves as a wake-up call for parents to implement stricter vetting procedures and consider regular drug testing for anyone entrusted with their children’s wellbeing.
Sources:
Woman to be arraigned in deadly stabbing of 83-year-old man at Royal Oak home
Nanny jailed without bond after grandfather killed while checking on child
How nanny accused of killing Oakland County grandfather knew family she was babysitting for
