Spencer Pearson, a former high school football star, has been sentenced to life in prison for a brutal attack on his ex-girlfriend in 2023. The 20-year-old was found guilty of attempting first-degree murder with a weapon and aggravated battery causing serious bodily injury with a weapon. The attack left his ex-girlfriend, Madison Schemitz, 17, paralyzed and dependent on a cane for mobility after she suffered severe spinal cord injuries. Pearson also stabbed Schemitz’s mother, Jacki Rogé, and a bystander who tried to intervene.
The violent assault occurred on June 3, 2023, at a restaurant in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. Schemitz and her mother had noticed Pearson, who had been stalking and harassing her after their breakup, sitting nearby. The two women decided to leave, but Pearson followed them into the parking lot and charged at Schemitz. He then stabbed her approximately 15 times while holding her with one arm. Rogé attempted to stop the attack and was also stabbed in the process, while a random bystander was injured when he tried to help.
Following the assault, Pearson allegedly attempted to take his own life by slashing his throat multiple times, reportedly telling witnesses he was trying to kill himself. His defense team cited mental health issues, including depression and the possibility of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) from head injuries sustained during his football career, as factors that contributed to his violent actions. Pearson had allegedly tried to take his own life just weeks before the attack, but Schemitz had intervened to prevent it.
In court, the judge acknowledged the mitigating circumstances presented by Pearson’s defense, including his age, lack of prior criminal history, and mental health struggles. However, the judge emphasized that the severity of the crime outweighed these factors. He stated that certain crimes, such as this one, demanded the maximum sentence, which in this case was a life sentence in prison. Pearson sat in the courtroom with an emotionless expression while his parents sobbed in the gallery. His father repeatedly expressed regret, saying he was sorry for the immense pain caused to Schemitz and her family.
Schemitz, who had been a rising senior and star softball player, gave a statement in court, expressing the torment she had endured since the attack. She reflected on the moment for over a year, counting the days since the incident. Her injuries have had a profound impact on her life, and she continues to face the challenges of rehabilitation.
Pearson’s actions have been described as “vicious” and “violent” by the judge, who noted the extreme nature of the assault, particularly considering the victim’s previous efforts to help Pearson during his own mental health crisis. Pearson’s family expressed deep regret, but the judge made it clear that the gravity of the crime overshadowed any expressions of remorse. Despite the defense’s attempt to argue for leniency based on mental health concerns, the court found that the crime’s brutality warranted the life sentence.
The case highlights the complexities surrounding mental health and violent crime, especially in cases where athletes with a history of head injuries are involved. Pearson’s story raises questions about the potential long-term effects of head trauma and its role in aggressive behavior, but the court ultimately found that the harm done to Schemitz and her family could not be overlooked. As Pearson faces life in prison, the emotional toll on both the victim and her family remains a tragic consequence of this violent act.
