Attempted Murder Charge Now With Hate Crime Enhancement After Nurse Attack At Palms West Hospital.
PALM BEACH COUNTY, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) (Copyright © 2025 MetroDesk Media, LLC) — The Wellington man accused of attacking a nurse at Palms West Hospital earlier this week is being charged with a “hate crime” enhancement, according to the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office. It’s unclear what led prosecutors to add the “hate crime” distinction to charges against Stephen Scantlebury of Wellington. The nurse victim’s nationality, race, religion, and sexual orientation are unknown. The nurse was allegedly so badly beaten that nearly every bone in her face is broken, and she’s unlikely to regain sight.
Scantlebury, 33, of Jackpine Street in Wellington, was allegedly being held as a “Baker Act” when he attacked the nurse. PBSO rushed to the scene and found him wandering on Southern Boulevard. Scantlebury is now charged with attempted second degree murder and the hate crime enhancement. Here is how PBSO documented the incident in the arrest report obtained by BocaNewsNow.com:
>>On February 18, 2025, at approximately 1320 hours, Road Patrol responded to Palms West Hospital in reference to a nurse being attacked by a patient. Information stated the nurse was in critical condition, and the patient (suspect), who was later identified as Stephen Scantiebury, had fled the hospital on foot. When Road Patrol arrived, Stephen Scantlebury was taken into custody on Southern Boulevard near the scene.
Stephen Scantlebury was a patient of the victim, who was there under a Baker Act and being cared for by the victim. Just before 1320 hours, the victim entered Stephen Scantlebury’s room (336) when cooperating witness 1 stated Stephen Scantlebury inexplicably jumped on top of his bed and then jumped onto and attacked the victim. At this time, cooperating witness 1 ran out of the room and called for help. When help arrived, cooperating witness 2 saw Stephen Scantlebury standing over the victim, who was lying on the floor, hitting the victim repeatedly in the face with his fists. Cooperating witness 2 yelled at Stephen Scantlebury, and he stopped hitting the victim and ran out of the room. At this time, all hospital staff was made aware of the attack and that Stephen Scantlebury had fled.
Responding staff collectively witnessed Stephen Scantiebury attack the victim, flee across the hospital floor, down the stairwell, across the parking lot, and into traffic on Southern Boulevard, where he was taken into custody by responding Deputy Sheriffs. In addition to eyewitness accounts of Stephen Scantlebury fleeing the room and hospital, the hospital camera system also captured Stephen Scantlebury fleeing.
Due to the severity of the victim’s injuries, the victim was transported by the Trauma Hawk (helicopter) to St. Mary’s Medical Center. Medical staff at the hospital stated that the victim is in critical condition (but) expected to survive. They went on to state that essentially every bone in the victim’s face is broken, and the victim is likely to lose the use of both eyes. Due to the extent of the victim’s injuries, the victim was not able to provide a statement. Stephen Scantlebury did not wish to provide a statement. A cooperating witness stated that Stephen Scantlebury has been acting paranoid for the last two days, blaming people in his life for events they had nothing to do with.<<
Scantlebury remains held in the Palm Beach County Jail without bond.
