Loxahatchee, Florida – A nurse at HCA Florida Palms West Hospital in Loxahatchee, Florida, faced a violent attack by a patient, resulting in severe injuries. The patient, identified as 33-year-old Stephen Scantlebury from Wellington, has been charged with “Homicide – Murder Dangerous Depraved Without Premeditation” by the Palm Beach Sherrif’s office. The nurse’s condition remains unspecified at this time, with authorities yet to confirm the outcome of the attack.
The incident took place on February 18, 2025, when Scantlebury, under the care of the nurse due to Florida’s Mental Health Act, assaulted her in a third-floor patient room. After repeatedly striking her in the face, Scantlebury fled the scene. The nurse suffered extensive facial injuries, with medical reports indicating the possibility of losing the use of both eyes. She was airlifted to St. Mary’s Medical Center for urgent care.
Following the assault, Scantlebury evaded the hospital premises but was later apprehended by Palm Beach County Sheriff’s deputies on Southern Boulevard. Subdued using a stun gun, Scantlebury, with no prior criminal record in the county, now faces second-degree murder charges for the attack.
In response to the incident, HCA Florida Healthcare expressed concern for the injured nurse and provided support to the hospital staff impacted by the violence. The Florida Nurses Association underscored the importance of heightened safety measures to protect healthcare workers from such brutal acts, emphasizing that nurses should not be targets of abuse.
Scantlebury is set for an initial court appearance on February 25, 2025, as authorities continue to investigate the motive behind the unprovoked attack. Calls for enhanced safety protocols within medical facilities have been renewed, highlighting the importance of safeguarding the well-being of medical staff amidst such incidents. As the legal proceedings progress, there is ongoing support for measures to ensure the safety of healthcare professionals.