Man Who Paralyzed Ex-Girlfriend and Injured Her Mom in Stabbing Sentenced to Spend Life in Prison: 'I Need Serious Help'

Mar. 15, 2025

Spencer Ross Pearson.Photo:St. John’s County Sheriff’s Office

St. John’s County Sheriff’s Office

The Florida man whostabbed his ex-girlfriend and her motherlast summer will spend the remainder of his life behind bars.

Spencer Ross Pearson was sentenced to life in prison during a Friday, Nov. 22 sentencing hearing, according to apress releasefrom the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office (SJSO). The sentencing comes after Pearson pleaded guilty to two counts of attempted first-degree murder with a weapon and aggravated battery causing serious bodily injury with a weapon in July.

Pearson was first arrested after stabbing three victims outside a Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., restaurant on June 3, 2023. He was 18 at the time.

One of the victims was Pearson’s ex-girlfriend, Madison Schemitz. It was later revealed that hehad been stalking and harassing the then-17-year-old prior to the attack.

Madison Schemitz.Gofundme

Gofundme

Armstong received serious hand injuries after he intervened and incapacitated Pearson until police arrived, but not before the attacker slit his own throat in a suicide attempt, authorities said.

Schemitz, who is now a freshman in college, underwent intensive physical therapy and was able to walk across the stage to receive her high school diploma less than a year after she was attacked, according to the SJSO.

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“I’m sure June 3 was the worst day of their lives,” Pearson said. “It was also the worst day of mine, and always will be. On this day, I hurt three innocent people. 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 need serious help, and I have for a long time,” he added.

source: people.com