Accused Royal Oak babysitter turned murderer Samantha Booth was in court on December 1, 2025. In her motion it was hinted that she may pursue an insanity defense while her new lawyer said that “she’s much more competent now than I think she was the last time that you saw her.”
RELATED: Royal Oak Murder: Babysitter Charged with Killing 83-Year-Old Grandfather During Childcare Visit
The judge ruled a competency exam will proceed and set the next court date at January 23, 2026.
You can watch the hearing in its entirety in the video player below.
Discuss this on our Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Cu4F4Mm2t/
ORIGINAL 10/28/2025
Royal Oak Murder: Babysitter Charged with Killing 83-Year-Old Grandfather During Childcare Visit
Royal Oak Police and the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office investigated a brutal homicide that left 83-year-old David Graham Ong dead inside a Sheridan Drive home on Friday, October 24.
According to authorities, 35-year-old Samantha Booth of Royal Oak was babysitting a two-year-old child while the child’s mother and aunt were out of town. When the mother couldn’t reach Booth, she asked her father — the child’s grandfather — to check on them.
When the family lost contact with him as well, the child’s uncle went to the home and discovered Ong lying on the ground, covered in blood. Booth allegedly attacked the uncle, who managed to grab the child and escape.
Officers later responded to calls about a naked woman “covered in blood” and arrested Booth nearby after a brief chase. Police say she was a known acquaintance of the family and had cared for the child before without incident. Investigators located psychedelic mushrooms and marijuana in her purse.
Booth is charged with:
- First-Degree Murder (life without parole)
- Second-Degree Child Abuse
- Felony Assault
- Three counts of Resisting and Obstructing
Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald commended the uncle for rescuing the child, calling his actions “brave” amid a horrific scene.
About the Victim
David Ong, known affectionately as “Downriver Dave,” was a lifelong Michigander and respected business leader. Born in 1942, Ong founded Acquest Realty Advisors, a national commercial real estate firm responsible for developing hotels and convention centers across the country.
A proud University of Michigan alumnus and supporter of local sports, Ong’s life was defined by faith, family, and mentorship. He is survived by his wife of six decades, Jacqueline, four children, and twelve grandchildren.
