Hospital Horror: Patient Charged with Attempted Murder After Brutal Nurse Attack
In a shocking and brutal incident in West Palm Beach, Florida, a hospital patient named Stephen Scantlebury, 33, has been slapped with charges of attempted murder and a hate crime enhancement after allegedly launching a vicious attack on a nurse at Palms West Hospital. This outrageous act reportedly broke “every bone” in the nurse’s face, leaving her critically injured and likely to lose the use of her eyes, according to police statements and reports from local news outlets like WPLG-TV and WPTV-TV.
The dramatic turn of events unfolded on February 18 when officers responded to a call about a patient assaulting a staff member. Witnesses described Scantlebury inexplicably jumping on his hospital bed before leaping onto the unsuspecting nurse and punching her relentlessly. The violence, which occurred in mere seconds, was so severe that others in the room had to scramble for help, underlining the terrifying reality of violence in healthcare environments. As noted by the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, Scantlebury was quickly detained, but the nurse was rushed to St. Mary’s Hospital for emergency treatment and remains unable to provide a statement due to her injuries.
In addition to the attempted murder charge, police announced that a hate crime enhancement would be added, potentially leading to stiffer penalties if convicted. Hate crime enhancements highlight the motivations behind actions and underscore the broader societal impact, a notion that resonates throughout many communities grappling with similar issues. According to law enforcement, this move signifies the seriousness of the crime not only against the nurse but against the institution and the fabric of the healthcare community.
In a statement shared by HCA Florida Healthcare, the company that owns the hospital, they expressed deep concern for their “beloved colleague” and acknowledged how shaken their staff is following the attack. “We are grateful to the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office who acted to detain the suspect and we are assisting law enforcement in their investigation,” they stated, demonstrating a necessary solidarity with their team and community.
This incident starkly illustrates the alarming trend of violence against healthcare workers, a crisis that’s been rising across various institutions, where compassion and care are often met with aggression. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, healthcare workers face a higher risk of workplace violence than workers in other industries. This situation begs for stricter policies and protective measures to ensure safety in hospitals, where staff are meant to provide care, not become victims of unprovoked attacks.
Stay tuned as the situation unfolds and justice is sought for the courageous nurse who faced this terrifying ordeal.
Sources: Celebrity Storm Wire and People Magazine, WPLG-TV, WPTV-TV, Bureau of Labor Statistics
