Spencer Pearson, convicted for the brutal stabbing of his ex-girlfriend and her mother outside a Ponte Vedra Beach restaurant in 2023, has been sentenced to life in prison. Closure finally comes to the case that scarred not only the community but also the victims after the hearing of sentencing on Friday.
Pearson attacked the then-17-year-old Madison Schemitz, who was left partially paralyzed, though her miraculous recovery allowed her to walk across the stage at her high school graduation less than a year later. The court also handled the injuries of Schemitz’s mother and a bystander during the attack.
Pearson, who was 18 at the time of the crime, sat emotionless as the judge rebuffed his defense contention for a lighter sentence because of his mental health, age, and head injuries associated with possible CTE.
Violence Attack Captured On Surveillance Cameras
Cameras captured Pearson entering a restaurant where Schemitz and her friends were dining on the day of the attack. When the group noted his presence and exited, he followed them outside and launched a brutal assault.
The court heard chilling testimony to this effect, including videos and photographs of the aftermath, showing blood-stained sidewalks and the knife with which the attack was carried out. Adding weight to the violence, Pearson attempted to harm himself during the incident, too.
Defense Cites CTE and Mental Health Issues
Pearson’s lawyers argued that years of football led to the deterioration of his mental health, pointing to multiple concussions and evidence of brain trauma. They said such factors reduced his impulse control and led to the crime.
The defense cited research into CTE among younger athletes and mentioned the connection between repeated blows to the head and violence. Ultimately, the court was not convinced of these arguments, citing the seriousness of Pearson’s actions to enforce the maximum sentence.
Recovery Brings Forth Strength from Trauma for Victim
Schemitz and her mother gave emotional statements during sentencing. Schemitz spoke to continued issues with PTSD, anxiety, and a variety of physical problems due to the attack. Her mother spoke to the continuing impact of Pearson’s actions, and the price her family paid.
But despite that trauma, Schemitz has amazed everyone around her with her recovery and resilience. The fact that she could surmount physical paralysis enough to point an accusing finger at her assailant in court was a clear expression enough that she could surmount unimaginable adversity. It is Pearson’s life sentence, joined to another 30 years to be served concurrently, that brings a sense of closure to events that have gripped the Ponte Vedra Beach community.
