A 33-year-old hospital patient has been charged with attempted murder after allegedly brutally attacking a nurse at Palms West Hospital in West Palm Beach, Florida, earlier this week.
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office reported that Stephen Scantlebury was arrested on February 18, 2025, after the violent assault on the nurse.
According to police, they were called to the scene around 1:20 p.m. and found the nurse critically injured. The nurse was immediately transported to St. Mary’s Hospital for urgent medical care.
Scantlebury was detained at the scene and later charged with attempted second-degree murder.
An investigation revealed disturbing details about the attack. Witnesses reported that Scantlebury suddenly jumped onto his bed and then onto the nurse, attacking her “inexplicably.”
The affidavit revealed that the nurse suffered severe injuries, including broken bones in her face, and she may lose the use of both of her eyes as a result.
Due to the severity of her injuries, the nurse has not yet been able to provide a statement to law enforcement.
On February 20, the Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office announced that they were adding a hate crime enhancement to Scantlebury’s charges. This could result in harsher penalties if he is convicted.
The enhancement was based on the ongoing investigation and the motive behind the attack.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the hospital community. HCA Florida Palms West Hospital expressed its concern in a statement, offering support to the injured nurse and to the staff who witnessed the attack.
They commended the quick action of the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office for detaining Scantlebury and assisting in the investigation.
The attack on the nurse has drawn widespread condemnation, and the hospital, along with the community, continues to pray for her recovery as the investigation continues.
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