ICYMI: Florida Star Athlete Sentenced for Brutal Stabbing of Ex-Girlfriend and Her Mother!
A Florida man’s violent attack leaves one paralyzed and two lives shattered—now, he’s facing life behind bars for his brutal crime. 🌐 #News #JacksonvilleFL #Florida #Crime
JACKSONVILLE, FL – A former star athlete’s life took a devastating turn after he attacked his ex-girlfriend and her mother in a violent parking lot incident. The 20-year-old, Spencer Ross Pearson, pleaded guilty to attempted murder and aggravated battery charges, leading to his life sentence. The brutal attack, which occurred in Florida last summer, left his victims with permanent, life-altering injuries. Pearson’s physical and emotional scars from his suicide attempt were evident as he appeared in court to face his sentencing.
The Attack That Shattered Lives
On June 3rd, 2023, Spencer Pearson, then 18, targeted his ex-girlfriend, Madison Schemitz, and her mother, Jaclyn Roge, outside a Ponte Vedra Beach restaurant. Surveillance footage captured the chilling moment when Pearson followed the two women as they tried to leave the restaurant. Pearson then rushed at Schemitz, stabbing her 15 times in a frenzied assault. Roge attempted to protect her daughter, but she too was stabbed in the forehead and leg. A bystander who tried to intervene was also injured but managed to stop Pearson’s attack.
In the aftermath of the violence, Pearson slit his own neck in an attempt to take his own life before he was apprehended by police. Schemitz, who was 17 at the time, was left paralyzed from the chest down, a devastating result of the attack that will affect her for the rest of her life.
Emotional Testimonies in Court
During the emotionally charged sentencing, both Schemitz and Pearson testified about the traumatic events. In her statement, Schemitz recalled every horrific moment of the attack. “June 3rd, 2023, was without a doubt the absolute worst, most traumatic day of my life. And I remember every single second of it,” she said, clearly still grappling with the aftermath. She continued, “Your honor, a 17-year-old girl should not have to know the feeling of getting stabbed. Your honor, I should not have to remember the feeling of my body being inflicted with the knife over and over again. … I remember the moment I realized I was paralyzed. I remember struggling to breathe and formulate words.”
Pearson also took the stand, expressing his remorse for his actions. “I hurt three innocent people,” he told the court. “I think of my terrible crimes committed every second of every day. It’s on my mind constantly and this will never, ever change. … I can’t begin to imagine what I’ve put them through and the negative effects I’ve had on everyone involved. I understand the anger and hatred they all have for me.”
Pearson’s father, Daniel Pearson, took the stand as well, offering an explanation for his son’s violent behavior. He discussed the multiple head injuries Spencer had sustained during his high school football career and how they might have contributed to the violent outburst. He also apologized to the victims, telling Schemitz, “Madison, you were always so sweet… you were such a beautiful person to be around. You were so good to our family. I’m sorry this happened to you. I think about you every day, I pray for you every day. You’re a sweet soul, you’re a beautiful person, I know that. I’m sorry.”
The Role of Football-Related Injuries in the Attack
One of the focal points of Pearson’s defense was the impact of head trauma. Medical professionals testified that an MRI revealed signs of multiple head injuries, similar to those sustained by NFL players. The doctors stated that these injuries could have contributed to Pearson’s violent actions. According to the defense, the damage to his brain might have made him more prone to aggression and impulsive behavior.
Despite these arguments, the court was firm in its decision. Judge R. Lee Smith addressed the severity of Pearson’s actions, noting that the attack on Schemitz, who had tried to save his life just weeks earlier when he attempted suicide, was particularly egregious. “This defendant launched a vicious attack on a 17-year-old girl … who had only weeks earlier done her part to try to save his life when he attempted suicide. The same person who tried to save his life he violently and viciously attacked,” Smith said.
Sentencing and Its Impact
In the end, Pearson was sentenced to life in prison for the brutal assault. His defense team had requested a sentence of 12 years in prison, followed by 15 years of supervision and mental health counseling, but the judge decided a harsher punishment was warranted. Pearson’s life sentence reflects the lasting, devastating impact of his crime on both his victims and their families.
The emotional toll of the attack is clear. Schemitz’s mother, in her testimony, told Pearson, “You gave Madison a life sentence on June 3rd, 2023, and it only seems fitting that you get the same.”
As Pearson faces a lifetime behind bars, the emotional and physical scars left on the victims will continue to affect them, marking a tragic chapter in their lives that will never be forgotten.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, know that help is available and there is hope. The National Domestic Violence Hotline offers confidential support 24/7. You don’t have to go through this alone. Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text START to 88788 for immediate assistance. Visit www.thehotline.org for more resources and guidance on how to safely move forward. Healing and support are within reach.
RELATED TOPICS: Crime | Florida
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