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An elderly man tragically lost his life while shielding his young granddaughter from a nanny armed with a screwdriver, who police say stripped the child of all her clothes. David Ong, 83, was fatally attacked at a Royal Oak, Michigan, property on Friday owned by his daughter, Katie. The child's nanny, Samantha Rae Booth, 35, has been arrested and charged with his murder, according to police. The horrifying incident unfolded when Katie Ong requested her father to visit her home and check on her daughter. Booth, who had been the toddler's caregiver for two years, was looking after the little girl. When David Ong suddenly fell silent, Katie asked her brother-in-law to look into it. He discovered the front door of the house wide open and heard noises coming from the basement. Katie's brother-in-law called out for Ong, but there was no response from the grandfather. The brother-in-law came across Booth "in a manic state and covered with blood," whilst Ong was found lying on the basement floor, fatally injured, police reported, reports the Mirror US . The brother-in-law scooped up Katie's daughter, but Booth launched an attack on him with a screwdriver, police said. The pair managed to escape the scene, and the brother-in-law dialled 911 from a neighbour's house. Officers arrived at the scene to find that Booth had removed her clothing and was covered in blood, according to a police report. She attempted to flee but was swiftly apprehended. Prosecutors say magic mushrooms and cannabis were discovered in Booth's handbag. The childminder has no previous criminal record, and a motive for the attack remains unclear at this stage. Ong's other daughter, Kelley Ong Smith, penned a heartfelt tribute to her father on Facebook. "I have to share the saddest post I've ever written and I ask for your prayers," Smith wrote. "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." Booth now faces multiple charges, including first-degree murder, second-degree child abuse, assault with a dangerous weapon, and three counts of assaulting a police officer. She was due to appear in court via Zoom on Tuesday; however, the hearing proceeded without her after she stripped naked in her cell and refused to comply. Both prosecution and defence agreed to proceed with reading the charges, but she still declined to appear. Her solicitor entered a not guilty plea on her behalf, though the judge refused bail, declaring she posed a "danger to society." According to Ong's obituary, he leaves behind his wife Jacqueline, four children, and 11 grandchildren. "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 stated. "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." For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters .
