• Source:JND
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A Florida judge has ordered that a 33-year-old man accused of brutally attacking an Indian-origin nurse remain in custody without bond. Stephen Scantlebury, a resident of Wellington, allegedly assaulted 67-year-old Leelamma Lal at HCA Florida Palms West Hospital last Tuesday, inflicting severe injuries.

Authorities reported that Lal suffered multiple facial fractures, a broken collarbone, and brain bleeding. Palm Beach County Deputy Sgt. Beth Newcomb testified that after the attack, Scantlebury made racist remarks, stating, "Indians are bad" and "I just beat the (expletive) out of an Indian doctor."

Lal’s daughter, Cindy Joseph, detailed the extent of her mother’s injuries, saying, “She had subdural and sporadic bleeding in the brain. The right side of her face was fully fractured. She was intubated and unconscious, with a lot of bruising and swelling in her face. I didn’t even recognise her.”

Currently, Lal remains in intensive care at St. Mary’s Medical Centre in West Palm Beach, where she is being treated. Authorities have indicated that nearly every bone in her face is broken and that she is likely to lose vision in both eyes.

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Daughter Calls It A Life-Changing Tragedy

Joseph revealed that her mother will require surgery to repair her facial injuries and will likely face weeks of hospitalisation. “This is going to change the rest of her life forever,” she said. “She’s 67 and, with her health, she had at least 20-plus good years ahead of her. She shouldn’t have to spend them in the way she’s going to have to.”

Despite her condition, Lal has regained some level of consciousness, though she remains disoriented. Joseph mentioned that her mother woke up worried about being fired for missing work. “She’s very, very confused. She thought she was at Palms West for a doctor’s appointment. She doesn’t seem to recall the attack clearly, but maybe her memory will return with time,” she added.

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Scantlebury was being held under the Baker Act, a Florida law that allows for temporary involuntary hospitalisation for individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. His wife, Megan Scantlebury, testified in court that he had been paranoid in the days leading up to the attack. She described his behavior as erratic, stating that he experienced hallucinations and believed he was being watched. He also accused her and their neighbors of conspiring against him.