Hero Grandfather, 83, Killed While Protecting Granddaughter From Nanny Who ‘Ripped Off All Her Clothes’
Police say the nanny, armed with a screwdriver, had stripped the young child of all her clothes before the elderly man stepped in to defend her.
David Ong lost his life during the struggle at his daughter Katie’s home in Royal Oak, Michigan, last Friday.
Authorities confirmed that the nanny, identified as 35-year-old Samantha Rae Booth, has been taken into custody and charged with his murder.
The terrifying chain of events began when Katie asked her father to stop by her house to check on her daughter while Booth, who had cared for the toddler for nearly two years, was looking after her.
When David stopped responding to his daughter’s calls, Katie became worried and asked her brother-in-law to go to the house.
Upon arriving, he found the front door wide open and could hear alarming noises coming from the basement below.
As he made his way downstairs, he came across Booth “in a manic state and covered with blood,” while David was discovered lying on the basement floor with fatal injuries, according to police reports shared by the Mirror US.
Acting quickly, the brother-in-law grabbed the terrified child, but Booth turned on him, attempting to stab him with the screwdriver, police said.
He managed to escape the house with the child and ran to a nearby neighbor’s home, where he called 911 for help.
Responding officers arrived moments later and found Booth completely naked and covered in blood, as described in the police report.
Authorities later confirmed that Booth had no prior criminal record, leaving investigators puzzled about what led to the violent outburst.
Meanwhile, the tragedy has devastated the Ong family. David’s other daughter, Kelley Ong Smith, shared a deeply emotional tribute to her father on Facebook, honoring his life and character.
“My father, David Ong, died tragically on Friday evening while protecting his cherished 3 year old granddaughter. The loss is immeasurable. Anyone who knows my dad knows that he is a gentle giant – a man of incredible kindness, love and faith. I’ve often said he is simply the best man I know.”
She was scheduled to appear in court via Zoom on Tuesday, but the session went ahead without her after she refused to cooperate, reportedly stripping naked in her cell and ignoring the judge’s instructions.
Despite her absence, the court continued with the hearing, and her lawyer entered a not guilty plea on her behalf. The judge denied her bail, ruling that she represented a “danger to society.”
His family and friends have remembered him as a man whose presence brought peace and warmth wherever he went.
“David’s life was defined by faith, humility, and a gentle spirit. He was deeply caring, a true friend, and a steady source of encouragement and support,” the tribute said, reflecting the love and respect he inspired among those who knew him.
“He took joy in understanding everything about his children and grandchildren. He loved sports and rarely missed a chance to cheer for his Wolverines, Lions, and Tigers. He enjoyed rides in his convertible, loved music, and served as a mentor to his family and to many colleagues and employees.”
