A Florida courtroom witnessed emotional testimony and dramatic moments on Friday as 20-year-old Spencer Pearson was sentenced to life in prison for the brutal attempted murder of his ex-girlfriend, Madison Schemitz. Pearson’s attack on Schemitz, which left her paralyzed, shocked the community and marked the end of a harrowing 538-day journey for the teen and her family.
The sentencing hearing, held at the Richard O. Watson Judicial Center in St. John’s County, culminated with Judge R. Lee Smith condemning Pearson for his calculated actions. “The irreparable damage you caused is beyond calculation,” Judge Smith stated before delivering the life sentence. Pearson was convicted of two counts of attempted first-degree murder with a weapon and aggravated battery causing serious bodily injury.
Schemitz, now 18, detailed the devastating June 3, 2023 attack, during which Pearson stabbed her 17 times after months of stalking and controlling behavior. In her testimony, Schemitz recounted, “June 3 was without a doubt the absolute worst, most traumatic day of my life. I remember every second of it.”
The attack unfolded in a restaurant parking lot where Pearson ambushed Schemitz, her mother, and a courageous bystander, Kennedy Armstrong. Armstrong, 24, intervened to stop the assault, sustaining injuries that ended his carpentry career. Speaking in court, Armstrong told Pearson, “You planned this. You knew what you were doing. Thanks to God, you failed.”
Prosecutors played a video montage showing Schemitz’s grueling recovery journey. Once a high school softball star, she now relies on a cane to walk and has endured countless surgeries and therapy sessions. “I’ve lived 538 days in torment,” Schemitz said. “I relive the trauma he put me through every single day.”
Pearson’s mother wept as he stood before the court, trembling, to deliver an apology. “I am so sorry for my actions. I ask for forgiveness and mercy,” he pleaded. Defense attorney Matthew Kachergus argued that Pearson’s mental health struggles and head trauma from football contributed to his behavior, but Judge Smith rejected these claims as insufficient to justify his actions.
Schemitz’s mother, Jacki Roge, delivered a scathing statement in court, calling Pearson “a monster” and condemning his family for failing to intervene. “I pray for my family’s peace, and I pray for your family to have the lives you deserve,” she said.
The attack stemmed from Pearson’s escalating behavior after the couple’s six-month relationship ended in early 2023. Schemitz described feeling “suffocated, trapped, manipulated, and controlled” during the relationship. After months of stalking, she had begun the process of filing a restraining order when the attack occurred.
As Pearson begins his life sentence, Schemitz and her family face a long road to healing. “This isn’t just about survival; it’s about reclaiming my life,” Schemitz said, vowing to use her experience to inspire and help others.