33-year-old Stephen Scantlebury arrested for allegedly attacking a Florida nurse and breaking ‘essentially every bone in her face,’ is facing possible hate crime enhancement.
The victim’s family says that the 67-year-old nurse may lose the use of both of her eyes.
Stephen Scantlebury is already facing a charge of attempted second-degree murder, but investigators say a hate crime enhancement has now been added, because Scantlebury allegedly made comments about the victim’s ethnicity during the attack.
Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office Re: Stephen Scantlebury Arrest
Based on the ongoing investigations of the battery incident at Palms West Hospital, a hate crime enhancement is being added to Stephen Scantlebury’s existing charge of attempted second-degree murder. Hate crime enhancements, if proven, can result in harsher penalties upon conviction. They highlight the motive behind the defendant’s actions and their broader impact on the community.
Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office Press Release
At 1:20 PM, we were dispatched to an aggravated battery incident at Palms West Hospital, in a third-floor patient room. Upon arrival, it was determined that a male patient had committed aggravated battery against a nurse. The nurse was critically injured and subsequently transported to St. Mary’s Hospital. The suspect has been detained. Detectives from the Violent Crimes Division are currently on site to investigate further. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
UPDATE: The suspect, Stephen Scantlebury, born on April 30, 1991, has been arrested and is currently undergoing medical clearance. He faces charges of attempted murder.