LOXAHATCHEE, Fla. (Diya TV) — A 67-year-old nurse at HCA Florida Palms West Hospital was critically injured when a patient assaulted her on February 18. The patient, 33-year-old Stephen Scantlebury, is charged with attempted second-degree murder, which has now been upgraded to a hate crime.
Scantlebury was admitted for a non-mental health-related condition, according to the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office. During the evaluation, medical staff decided he qualified for an involuntary psychiatric examination under the Baker Act of Florida, in which temporary commitment of someone found to be a danger to self or others is permitted.
Scantlebury is accused of jumping on nurse Leelamma “Leela” Lal and repeatedly punching her in the face while she cared for him. Lal suffered numerous facial fractures, brain hemorrhaging, and extreme eye injuries that could lead to permanent blindness. She is still in critical condition at St. Mary’s Medical Center, needing intensive care and several reconstructive surgeries.
Following the attack, Scantlebury ran from the hospital but was caught running along Southern Boulevard. A Palm Beach County judge ruled that he should be held in jail without bail, citing concerns for public safety. Scantlebury entered a not-guilty plea at a court hearing on February 25. His first case conference is scheduled for April 10 before Circuit Judge Caroline Shepherd.
In reaction to the incident, a GoFundMe campaign called “Stand with Leela” started to aid Lal’s medical bills. The fundraiser explains the life-changing injuries she incurred and points out the emotional and economic burden on her and her family. To date, March 2, the campaign has collected close to $135,000.
Lal’s relatives, such as her daughter Dr. Cindy Joseph, who is a neurologist at Melbourne, had issues regarding the safety of hospitals and asked how a similar attack could happen. They want explanations and reform to ensure this does not happen again.
The Hindu American Foundation decried the attack, noting reports that the patient reportedly made racist comments following the attack. The foundation stressed that ramping up anti-India rhetoric puts lives in danger and has to stop.
