A horrifying attack at Palms West Hospital in Florida has left an Indian-origin nurse, Leelamma Lal, aged 67, fighting for her life. On February 18, a patient beat her so badly that her face is now disfigured, with broken bones and possible blindness ahead. The man accused, Stephen Scantlebury, 33, didn’t just hurt her physically—police say he attacked her because she was Indian, making this a hate crime. He’s now in jail, facing big charges like attempted murder. This story is about more than one nurse—it’s about safety, racism, and what needs to change.
A Day That Turned Dark
It started like any other shift for Leelamma Lal. She’d been a nurse at Palms West Hospital for 21 years, always ready to care for her patients. That Tuesday, she walked into Stephen Scantlebury’s room on the third floor. He was there under a “Baker Act hold,” meaning he was admitted for mental health issues and wasn’t free to leave. No one expected what happened next.
Witnesses say Scantlebury suddenly lost control. He jumped onto his bed and started punching Lal in the face—over and over. The attack was so violent it shattered nearly every bone in her face. She collapsed, bleeding and hurt, while Scantlebury bolted out of the hospital. Other nurses rushed to her side, and she was taken to St. Mary’s Medical Center in West Palm Beach. She’s now in intensive care, hanging on as doctors try to save her.
‘Attack Was Racially Motivated’: Cops Speak Out
The police didn’t just call this a random outburst—they say it was a hate crime. According to the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, Scantlebury didn’t only use his fists; he used words, too. While hitting Lal, he shouted things like “Indians are bad” and other racist slurs. After his arrest, he reportedly told officers he targeted her because of her Indian background. That’s why, along with attempted murder, he’s charged with a hate crime—a label that makes this case even more serious.
Sheriff Ric Bradshaw spoke at a press conference, saying, “This wasn’t just an attack on a nurse doing her job. Evidence shows it was racially motivated, and we’re treating it that way.” The FBI has joined the investigation, looking into whether this fits a pattern of hate crimes in the area. For Lal’s family, hearing this makes the pain worse. Her daughter, Cindy Joseph, a doctor, said, “My mom came to this country to help people. She didn’t deserve this—especially not for being Indian.”
A Life Forever Changed
Leelamma Lal’s family is struggling to cope. Cindy described her mom as someone who loved nursing since she was a kid. “She gave everything to her patients,” she said, tears in her eyes. “Now she might never see again.” Doctors say Lal’s injuries are so bad she could lose sight in both eyes, and her face will never look the same. Her family is by her bedside, hoping for a miracle.
Scantlebury didn’t get far after the attack. He ran down Southern Boulevard, a busy road near the hospital, but police nabbed him within hours. He’s now locked up with no bail, waiting for his day in court. His wife, Megan, told the judge he’d been acting paranoid lately, thinking people were after him. But that doesn’t explain why he picked Lal—or why he brought race into it.
Nurses and Families Demand Answers
This attack has nurses and Lal’s loved ones furious. The Indian Nurses Association of South Florida called it a wake-up call. “Healthcare workers face violence too often,” they said. “This time, it’s one of our own, and it’s about her race, too.” They’re pushing for better safety rules in hospitals. Dr. Cheryl Thomas-Harcum, a nurse advocate, added, “I’ve been attacked by patients myself. It’s common, and it’s got to stop.”
Lal’s family is asking tough questions. “Where was security?” Cindy demanded. “He was a mental health patient—why wasn’t he watched?” They’ve hired a lawyer to dig into what the hospital did wrong. The CEO’s 911 call during the attack didn’t help their trust—he seemed more focused on catching Scantlebury than saving Lal.
A Bigger Problem to Fix
This isn’t just about one day or one nurse. It’s about keeping healthcare workers safe and fighting hate. Florida’s Baker Act brings troubled people into hospitals, but cases like this show it’s not always enough to protect staff. People are asking: Should hospitals have more guards? Better training? Stricter rules? The hate crime angle adds urgency—nurses shouldn’t fear racism on top of everything else.
For Leelamma Lal, the future is uncertain. Her family prays she’ll heal, but her nursing days might be over. For Scantlebury, a trial looms with heavy charges. And for everyone watching, this is a loud reminder: hospitals should be safe places—for patients and the people who care for them. As the investigation rolls on, many hope this tragedy sparks real change.
