A horrifying incident at Palms West Hospital in Florida has left a nurse with devastating facial injuries and permanent blindness. The attack, carried out by a male patient, was so severe that it resulted in the nurse suffering multiple fractures, with every bone in her face broken.
Law enforcement officials have charged the suspect with attempted second-degree murder, adding a hate crime enhancement due to the nature of the attack. This brutal act has shocked the medical community and raised concerns over the safety of healthcare workers who dedicate their lives to caring for others.
The Attack: A Sudden and Unprovoked Assault
On the afternoon of the attack, deputies from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office responded to an aggravated battery incident on the Palms West Hospital’s third floor at approximately 1:20 PM. Upon their arrival, they discovered that a nurse had been violently assaulted by a male patient, later identified as Stephen Scantlebury, born on April 30, 1991.
According to the probable cause affidavit obtained from local news sources, Scantlebury’s attack was sudden and unprovoked. Reports indicate that he inexplicably jumped onto his hospital bed and then launched himself at the nurse, initiating a vicious assault.
Witnesses to the attack immediately ran for help, but by the time assistance arrived, the nurse had already suffered extensive injuries. The victim was left with severe fractures to her face, described by police as “essentially every bone in her face broken.”
The damage was so extensive that she is now at risk of losing vision in both eyes. Due to the severity of her injuries, she has been unable to provide a statement to investigators. She was immediately rushed to St. Mary’s Hospital for emergency treatment, where doctors are working to stabilize her condition.
At 1:20 PM, we were dispatched to an aggravated battery incident at Palms West Hospital, in a third-floor patient room. Upon arrival, it was determined that a male patient had committed aggravated battery against a nurse. The nurse was critically injured and subsequently… pic.twitter.com/XlskweMPWD
— PBSO (@PBCountySheriff) February 19, 2025
Following the attack, Scantlebury was detained by deputies and placed under arrest. However, before being booked into jail, he underwent a medical clearance to ensure that he was fit for incarceration. His violent actions have led to serious legal consequences, including the possibility of enhanced penalties under hate crime laws.
Legal Consequences: Hate Crime Enhancement and Attempted Murder Charge
As investigators from the Violent Crimes Division delved deeper into the case, they determined that the attack met the criteria for a hate crime enhancement. This means that in addition to the charge of attempted second-degree murder, prosecutors will argue that the assault was motivated by bias, which could lead to more severe penalties upon conviction.
Hate crime enhancements are designed to recognize the broader impact of certain violent acts on communities and impose stricter punishments. If convicted under these enhanced charges, Scantlebury could face a significantly longer sentence, as the law seeks to deter acts of violence that are driven by hate or discrimination.
Officials have not disclosed specific details about the motive behind the attack, but the addition of a hate crime enhancement suggests that investigators believe there was an element of prejudice involved.
The case is expected to proceed through the legal system, with prosecutors building a case that highlights the brutality of the assault and its devastating impact on the victim.
Meanwhile, the nurse remains in critical condition, facing a long and painful recovery. The extent of her injuries means that she may require multiple reconstructive surgeries, and her permanent blindness will forever change her life.
The attack has sent shockwaves through the medical community, as nurses and healthcare professionals reflect on the risks they face while caring for patients.
Healthcare Worker Safety: Addressing Violence in Medical Settings
The brutal attack on the nurse at Palms West Hospital has reignited discussions about the safety of healthcare workers. Nurses and hospital staff dedicate their lives to treating patients, often putting themselves in vulnerable situations.
However, incidents of violence against healthcare workers are not uncommon, and many have expressed concerns about inadequate protections in medical settings.
HCA Florida Healthcare, which owns Palms West Hospital, issued a statement in response to the attack, expressing their support for the victim and their shaken staff.
The statement highlighted how quickly the assault took place, occurring within mere seconds, despite multiple people witnessing the incident and rushing to assist. The company also reaffirmed its commitment to cooperating fully with law enforcement during the investigation.
Hospitals are meant to be places of healing, but this tragic event serves as a stark reminder that violence can erupt even in the most unexpected settings.
Many nurses and medical professionals have called for increased security measures, better training to handle violent patients, and stricter legal consequences for those who attack healthcare workers.
The case of the nurse at Palms West Hospital has drawn national attention, not only because of its brutality but also because it underscores the urgent need for change.
Advocates for healthcare worker safety are pushing for policy reforms that would enhance security protocols, provide better support for victims of workplace violence, and ensure that perpetrators face swift and severe justice.
As the victim continues her recovery, the medical community and the public at large remain united in condemning this horrific act of violence. While nothing can undo the harm she has suffered, the hope is that this case will serve as a catalyst for stronger protections for those who dedicate their lives to saving others.
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