83-year-old dies protecting his grandchild—his heroic last moments revealed

Content Warning: This article contains graphic descriptions of violence and death.

An ordinary evening in Royal Oak turned into a nightmare no family could imagine.

One grandfather’s routine act of love became his final, heroic sacrifice.

The horrifying events would shock a close-knit Michigan community and leave a family devastated.

When 83-year-old David Ong received a call from his daughter on 24 October, he didn’t hesitate.

She asked him to check on his two-year-old granddaughter, who was being cared for by the family’s trusted nanny while her mother was out of town.

Ong made the short drive from Bloomfield Hills to the Royal Oak home, never imagining it would be his last act of love.

The family had known nanny Samantha Rae Booth for about two years, and she had watched the child previously without incident.

According to the prosecutor’s office, Booth appeared normal throughout the day until the late afternoon.

Police said Ong was contacted by his daughter at around 7:50 pm, who asked him to check on her daughter.

When Ong failed to respond, she became concerned and asked her brother-in-law to check on both her father and child.

The uncle’s arrival revealed a terrifying scene.

The front door was open, and noises came from the basement.

He called out to Booth but received no answer.

He found Booth in a manic state, covered in blood, and Ong lying on the basement floor with severe injuries.

The uncle quickly picked up the child and tried to flee while Booth allegedly attacked him with a screwdriver.

He eventually reached a nearby group of people who sheltered them and called 911.

Both the uncle and the little girl sustained minor injuries and were treated at hospital the same night.

Booth’s behaviour after the attack shocked police and neighbours.

She was ‘not coherent’ and ‘speaking gibberish’ as she stripped off her bloody clothes and attempted to attack others before being taken into custody.

‘She stripped off all of her bloody clothing and dropped the screwdriver in the driveway,’ Moore said.

When police arrested her, Booth reportedly said, ‘I did it.’

While being transported to the station, she added, ‘I f*** him the f*** up — and yes, I did it… God, it was too easy.’

Her erratic behaviour continued in custody.

She refused to speak or leave her cell during the arraignment, reportedly remaining naked four days after the alleged murder.

Officers later found suspected psychedelic mushrooms and marijuana in Booth’s purse.

Mental health experts suggested the substances may have contributed to her erratic behaviour.

‘When you start dealing with natural products like mushrooms, there are so many different chemicals that can be there. They can make you frightened, paranoid, aggressive or withdrawn, and there's no telling what you get. To run out in public with no clothes on, that's very disorganised behavior that's most consistent with intoxication with a hallucinogen,’ said mental health expert Dr Gerald Shiener.

The tragedy stunned the family and community, highlighting that even trusted caregivers can suddenly become dangerous.

Booth had no criminal history, had cared for the family for two years without issue, and appeared normal earlier that day.

According to Ong’s obituary, he was ‘the most loving husband to Jacqueline’ — his wife of more than 60 years — devoted father of four, and ‘Grandpa Dave’ to 11.

His life was defined by faith, humility and a gentle spirit.

Ong’s favourite hobby was his family.

He never missed a soccer game, dance recital, piano or guitar performance, graduation, wedding, birth, or birthday.

His daughter Kelly Ong Smith wrote on social media that he died ‘while protecting his cherished 3 year old granddaughter’.

The Royal Oak community has rallied around the family.

‘We should all be grateful for the brave actions by her uncle to rescue the two-year-old from this horrific and dangerous situation,’ said Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald.

‘David Ong's murder is a shocking tragedy and the person responsible will be held accountable.’

Samantha Rae Booth, 35, of Chesterfield, is charged with first-degree murder, second-degree child abuse, assault with a dangerous weapon, and three counts of resisting or obstructing police.

She is held without bond in the Oakland County Jail, with her next court appearance scheduled for 7 November.

David Ong’s final moments were spent thinking not of himself but of his granddaughter’s safety.

His story reminds us of the extraordinary courage that can emerge in the most terrifying circumstances.

Stories of trusted caregivers turning dangerous are deeply unsettling, and they remind us to stay vigilant even when someone seems reliable.

Another real-life case shows how a caregiver’s misconduct can have serious consequences for those in their care.

Exploring these incidents can help families understand warning signs and take steps to protect loved ones.

Read more: Nurse’s misconduct in front of vulnerable elderly patient exposed: 'He knew what he was doing'

Have you ever faced a situation where someone you trusted acted completely out of character, and how did you handle it?