Stephen Scantlebury appeared in court Tuesday, facing charges of attempted second-degree murder for the beating of 67-year-old nurse Leela Lal at Palms West Hospital. Scantlebury, who did not speak during the hearing,

The attorneys for a man accused in the brutal attack of a Palm Beach County nurse said their client is a "hardworking, loving husband" who is affected by mental illness.

Stephen Scantlebury will remain at the County Jail prior to his attempted murder trial for the beating of Leelamma Lal on Feb. 18.

Scantlebury escaped the hospital after the attack and was later arrested while running down Southern Boulevard.