The victim: David Ong, age 83, found in the basement of a home in the 4300 block of Sheridan Drive with multiple stab wounds.

• The victim: David Ong, age 83, found in the basement of a home in the 4300 block of Sheridan Drive with multiple stab wounds. C&G Newspapers+3Oakland County 115+3CBS News+3

• The suspect: Samantha Rae Booth, age 35, of Chesterfield, Mich., present at the home. She is alleged to be the nanny of a toddler in the household. Patch+2CBS News+2

• Charges: First-degree murder, second-degree child abuse (allegedly because the incident occurred in front of a child), assault with a dangerous weapon, and three counts of resisting and obstructing police. FOX 2 Detroit

• Circumstances: The toddler’s mother was out of town; Booth was babysitting. The mother could not reach the child’s grandfather (Ong) or the nanny, so the grandfather went to check and was later found dead. The child’s uncle then encountered Booth attacking him with a screwdriver as he rescued the child. Booth is alleged to have chased them outside and then ran from police, reportedly naked and covered in blood. FOX 26 Houston+1

• Legal status: Booth was denied bond and is being held. If convicted of first-degree murder, she faces the possibility of life in prison without parole. CBS News+1

My thoughts

This is a deeply tragic and disturbing case, especially given that a child was present and the victim was an elderly relative. It raises serious concerns about guardian safety, the mental state of caregivers, and the well-being of children in such situations.