A Florida man who violently attacked his ex-girlfriend and her mother last summer will spend the rest of his life in prison.
Spencer Ross Pearson, now 19 years old, was sentenced to life in prison on Friday, November 22, during a court hearing. The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office (SJSO) shared the details in a press release. Earlier this year, in July, Pearson pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including two counts of attempted first-degree murder with a weapon and aggravated battery, which means he caused serious injuries using a weapon.
The horrifying attack happened on June 3, 2023, outside a restaurant in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. Pearson, who was just 18 years old at the time, stabbed three people in total. One of the victims was his ex-girlfriend, 17-year-old Madison Schemitz. Before the attack, authorities said Pearson had been stalking and harassing her.
Madison’s mother, Jaclyn “Jacki” Roge, was also injured while trying to protect her daughter. A third victim, Kennedy Armstrong, was hurt when he bravely stepped in to stop Pearson. Kennedy suffered serious hand injuries while wrestling the knife away and holding Pearson down until the police arrived. Before being arrested, Pearson tried to take his own life by cutting his throat but survived.
Authorities said that Pearson attacked Madison from behind, pinned her to the ground, and stabbed her about 15 times. The brutal assault left Madison with life-changing injuries, paralyzing her from the chest down. Madison, a talented high school softball player, faced months of recovery. She went through intense physical therapy and showed incredible determination. Less than a year later, she was able to walk across the stage to receive her high school diploma. She is now in college and continues to work on her recovery.
During the court hearing, Pearson apologized for his actions. Speaking to the judge, he said, “I want to take responsibility for what I’ve done and apologize to the three people I hurt. June 3 was the worst day of their lives, and it was also the worst day of mine. I think about what I did every single day, and it’s something that will never leave my mind. I know I need help, and I have for a long time.”
After the sentencing, Madison shared her thoughts. She said her family is focused on healing and moving forward. “This has been a very hard time, but this chapter is now behind us,” she said. “It will take time, but we are committed to rebuilding our lives with hope and strength.”
Madison also spoke about her personal journey, saying, “For me, the road ahead is still long. There are many challenges to face and lessons to learn, but I’m thankful for the people who have supported me. I’m confident I’ll continue to grow stronger every day. Now, I want to focus on finding peace and embracing the future. I also want to use the strength I’ve gained to help others who might be going through similar struggles.”
