A judge has ordered a Michigan nanny accused of killing a grandfather to undergo a mental competency, following a court appearance Friday in Oakland County.
According to Click on Detroit, Samantha Booth is facing a first-degree murder charge in connection with the death of David Ong, 83. She’s also charged with child abuse, assault, and three counts of resisting a police officer.
During Friday’s court hearing, Booth’s attorney asked a judge to order a mental competency evaluation, to be conducted by a psychologist.
According to Court TV, the judge approved the request and ordered the exams to be performed and returned to the court within 60 days.
As CrimeOnline previously reported, Booth had cared for psychotherapist Katie Ong’s 2-year-old for around two years without incident until October 24.
While out of town, Katie contacted her father, David Ong, and asked him to check on her daughter, who Booth had been babysitting.
When she didn’t hear back, Katie Ong contacted her brother-in-law to check on their welfare. Upon arrival at the home, the brother-in-law found Booth covered in blood and in a “manic state.”
David Ong was lying on the floor, injured and unresponsive, after Booth allegedly attacked him with a screwdriver. Booth then attacked the brother-in-law as he fled the home with the toddler in his arms.
“He heard noises coming from the basement and called out to the nanny but failed to get a response,” police said. “He encountered the nanny in a manic state covered in blood and his father-in-law lying on the floor with severe injuries.”
Booth allegedly pursued the brother-in-law outside, armed with a screwdriver. He fled to a neighboring residence, where the residents led him and his niece inside their home while he called 911.
Booth then stopped chasing them, and “stripped off all her clothing and dropped the screwdriver.”
Both the tot and her uncle sustained minor injuries. They were sent to the hospital while first responders tried unsuccessfully to save David Ong.
Police said they found what appeared to be psychedelic mushrooms, along with marijuana, in Booth’s purse.
Booth became uncooperative during her initial appearance Tuesday, by reportedly ripping her clothes off inside her jail cell. She then laid down on the floor and refused to appear.
A judge denied bond during Friday’s court hearing.
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[Feature Photo: Samantha Rae Booth/Royal Oak Police Department and David Ong/Handout]
