Overview
- Samantha Rae Booth, 35, was arraigned on first-degree murder, second-degree child abuse, assault with a dangerous weapon, and three counts of resisting or obstructing, and was ordered held without bond.
- Booth was babysitting a 2-year-old on Oct. 24 when 83-year-old David Graham Ong was found in the home’s basement with multiple stab wounds and pronounced dead at the scene.
- After the child’s mother could not reach the babysitter, Ong went to check on the toddler; a relative later rescued the child and sustained minor injuries after an alleged screwdriver attack, police said.
- Officers detained Booth nearby after a short chase and reported she had blood on her hands; she declined to appear on camera for arraignment and remains in custody with a court date set for Nov. 7.
- Investigators reported finding suspected psychedelic mushrooms and marijuana in Booth’s purse and say she made an incriminating remark during transport, while tests to determine impairment are still pending.