Police in Royal Oak, Michigan, say a 35-year-old nanny was found “covered in blood” after allegedly killing the grandfather of a three-year-old girl she was hired to watch. Authorities described the crime scene as “grisly” and “chaotic,” and say the attack left the child’s family — and the wider community — stunned.

She Was Meant To Be Babysitting A 3-Year-Old

The suspect, Samantha Rae Booth, was arrested Friday and charged with first-degree murder in the stabbing death of 83-year-old David Ong, according to court records. She also faces charges of second-degree child abuse, assault with a dangerous weapon, and resisting or obstructing police. Police say the killing unfolded in the basement of a suburban home in the 4300 block of Sheridan Drive, about 18 miles northwest of Detroit. Ong’s daughter, who was out of town at the time, had asked Booth to look after her three-year-old daughter. When she hadn’t heard from Booth or her father by early evening, she grew concerned and called Ong, asking him to stop by and check on his granddaughter.

They Found The Grandfather In The Basement

Around 7:50 p.m., Ong arrived at the house — but he never called his daughter back. Two hours later, worried that something was wrong, Ong’s son-in-law drove to the home to investigate. When he arrived, the front door was open and strange noises were coming from the basement. He called Booth’s name but got no response. As he walked downstairs, police say, he found Booth “in a manic state, covered in blood,” and Ong lying on the floor with multiple stab wounds. Investigators believe Booth used a screwdriver in the attack.

Booth The Scene Fled Without Clothes

The brother-in-law grabbed the child and tried to escape, fending off Booth’s attacks as he ran up the stairs and out of the house. Booth allegedly chased him and the child outside with the screwdriver until she eventually dropped the weapon and removed her clothes before fleeing on foot. Police officers responding to the 911 call quickly apprehended her nearby. Both the brother-in-law and the child were treated at a local hospital for minor injuries and released.

Authorities Can’t Decipher A Motive

Authorities say Booth had no criminal record and no known history of violence. But when she was scheduled to appear virtually in court for her arraignment Tuesday, she reportedly refused to appear on camera. “She’s lying on the floor at the moment, in the middle of the cell, with no clothes on,” an officer told the magistrate during the hearing, according to Detroit’s WWJ. The proceedings were delayed for over an hour before Booth eventually appeared. She has been ordered held without bond. Police have not offered a motive for the killing or said whether Booth had any known conflicts with the family. Ong, a beloved father and grandfather, had reportedly stopped by the home simply to ensure his granddaughter was safe. Royal Oak Police Chief Michael Moore said investigators are still piecing together what led to the deadly encounter.