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Loxahatchee, Fla. – A nurse at HCA Florida Palms West Hospital suffered serious facial injuries after being violently attacked by a patient on February 18, 2025. Authorities identified the suspect as Stephen Scantlebury, 33, of Wellington, who now faces a charge of attempted second-degree murder.

The assault happened while the nurse was attending to Scantlebury, who was receiving care under Florida’s Baker Act for mental health concerns. Without warning, the suspect jumped from his hospital bed and attacked the nurse, according to the probable cause affidavit.

A witness in the room ran for help. When hospital staff arrived, they saw Scantlebury repeatedly striking the nurse’s face. He stopped the attack and ran from the room when confronted, escaping through the hospital, across the parking lot, and into traffic on Southern Boulevard.

Palm Beach County Sheriff’s deputies quickly responded and took Scantlebury into custody on Southern Boulevard. Due to the severity of the injuries, the nurse was airlifted by Trauma Hawk to St. Mary’s Medical Center. Medical reports state that nearly every bone in her face was broken, and she may permanently lose her vision. She has been unable to provide a statement to authorities.

Investigators learned from a third witness that Scantlebury had been displaying paranoid behavior in the days before the attack, accusing others of things they had no connection to. His first court appearance is scheduled for February 25, 2025.