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Fundraiser launched for Indian-origin nurse attacked at Florida hospital
Leelamma Lal suffered multiple fractures to “essentially every bone” in her face, brain bleeds, and severe eye injuries before Stephen Scantlebury, 33, the man accused of attacking her, fled the hospital.
Leelamma Lal. / GoFundMe
A GoFundMe campaign titled "Stand with Leela" has been launched to support the medical care of Leelamma Lal, a 67-year-old Indian-origin nurse who was allegedly attacked by a patient at HCA Florida Palms West Hospital on Feb.18. The campaign has raised nearly $135,000 as of Mar.2.
The fundraiser, organized by a friend of Lal's family, details the life-altering injuries she suffered, including multiple facial fractures, brain bleeds, and severe eye injuries that may result in permanent vision loss. She remains in critical condition at St. Mary’s Medical Center, requiring intensive care and multiple reconstructive surgeries.
"The emotional and financial toll of this attack is overwhelming," the campaign description states. "Not only is Leela grappling with physical recovery, but she will also face mounting medical bills, lost wages, and the emotional impact of the traumatic event."
The crime
The incident unfolded while Lal was attending to Stephen Scantlebury, 33, who had been admitted to the hospital for a non-mental health-related issue, reported The Palm Beach Post. However, during his evaluation, medical professionals determined he met the criteria for an involuntary psychiatric examination under Florida’s Baker Act—a law that allows the temporary commitment of individuals deemed a danger to themselves or others.
According to a sheriff’s report, Lal entered Scantlebury’s room when he suddenly jumped on top of her and began striking her repeatedly in the face. She suffered multiple fractures to “essentially every bone” in her face, brain bleeds, and severe eye injuries before Scantlebury fled the hospital. He was later arrested running along Southern Boulevard.
A Palm Beach County judge has ordered Scantlebury to remain in jail without bail. Scantlebury, a Wellington resident, faces a charge of attempted second-degree murder, which has been enhanced to a hate crime by the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities say Scantlebury made unspecified utterances regarding Lal’s race, gender, or religion.
According to The Palm Beach Post, during a court hearing on Feb.25, Scantlebury pleaded not guilty, with his attorney arguing for house arrest and a $125,000 bond. However, Circuit Judge Donald Hafele rejected the request, citing concerns for public safety.
Flanked by family members and fellow nurses, Dr. Cindy Joseph, Lal’s daughter and a neurologist in Melbourne, pleaded with the judge to keep Scantlebury behind bars.
"If he is released and disappears, justice for my mom will not be served," Joseph said. "Because of his actions, our lives will never be the same. We live in fear, constantly looking over our shoulders knowing that someone who's capable of such violence could walk free."
Hafele ordered a pretrial detention hearing to be scheduled, where the issue of Scantlebury’s bail may be reconsidered. His initial case conference is set for Apr.10 before Circuit Judge Caroline Shepherd, according to a report by The Palm Beach Post.
The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) condemned the attack, citing reports that the patient allegedly made racist remarks after the assault. “A patient in a Florida hospital is in custody after critically injuring nurse, Leela Lal, taunting that ‘Indians are bad’ and ‘I just beat the sh-- out of that Indian doctor,’” the organization said in a statement.
A patient in a Florida hospital is in custody after critically injuring nurse, Leela Lal, taunting that “Indians are bad" and "I just beat the sh-- out of that Indian doctor."
— Hindu American Foundation (@HinduAmerican) March 2, 2025
Escalating anti-India rhetoric is endangering lives. It must stop.https://t.co/yQ9RR7GjbU
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