Introduction to the Incident
New bodycamera video shows a deputy’s encounter with a man a day before he allegedly brutally attacked a nurse at a Palm Beach County hospital last month.
Stephen Scantlebury, 33, faces an attempted murder charge with a hate crime enhancement in the attack.
The Encounter
The video shows Scantlebury in Wellington on Feb. 17 refusing a Palm Beach deputy’s offer to seek mental health despite his mother’s pleas for him to get help.
"Do you want to go to JFK North Hospital and talk to a mental health professional?" the deputy asks him in the video.
"Ha, no," Scantlebury responds.
The Attack
The next day, deputies say he attacked the nurse at HCA Florida Palms West Hospital while under a psychiatric hold.
Scantlebury beat nurse Leelamma Lal so badly that "essentially every bone" was broken in her face, authorities said.
Her daughter said she had to undergo extensive facial reconstruction.
Motive Behind the Attack
"Indians are bad and I just beat the (expletive) out of an Indian doctor," he said, according to authorities.
This statement suggests a hate crime motive behind the attack.
Current Status
Scantlebury remains behind bars while he awaits trial.
Conclusion
The incident highlights the importance of addressing mental health issues and the need for a more effective system to prevent such violent attacks. It also raises concerns about hate crimes and the impact they have on individuals and communities.
FAQs
Q: What is Stephen Scantlebury charged with?
A: Stephen Scantlebury is charged with attempted murder with a hate crime enhancement.
Q: Who was the victim of the attack?
A: The victim was nurse Leelamma Lal, who was attacked at HCA Florida Palms West Hospital.
Q: What was the motive behind the attack?
A: The motive behind the attack appears to be a hate crime, with Scantlebury making a statement against Indians.
Q: What is the current status of Stephen Scantlebury?
A: Scantlebury remains behind bars while he awaits trial.
