Fla. teen accused of stabbing 17-year-old ex-girlfriend 15 times, leaving her paralyzed
06/07/2023 1:59 pm PDT
PONTE VEDRA, Fla. (TCD) -- An 18-year-old male stands accused of stabbing his 17-year-old ex-girlfriend, her 43-year-old mother, and a bystander before slitting his own throat in an attempt to kill himself.
According to a news release from the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, on Saturday, June 3, at around 4:30 p.m., deputies responded to the 100 block of Valley Circle to a report of a stabbing. The Sheriff’s Office alleges Spencer Pearson stabbed the primary victim in a "targeted attack," and he injured two others when they tried to intervene.
According to the Florida Times-Union, the primary victim, Madison Schemitz, and her mother, Jaclyn "Jacki" Roge, were dining at Mr. Chubby’s Wings when they saw Pearson at a nearby table.
Schemitz reportedly broke up with Pearson a few months ago, and he had been allegedly harassing her and making suicidal statements since. Roge allegedly filed a complaint against Pearson a week before the attack, stating that Pearson had been struggling with mental health issues.
Schemitz and her mother left the restaurant to avoid Pearson and reportedly walked toward their vehicle when Pearson began chasing after them. Pearson allegedly stabbed his ex-girlfriend at least 15 times, and when her mother stepped in to stop the attack, he stabbed Roge in the forearm and leg.
A bystander, identified as Kennedy Armstrong by the Florida Times-Union, heard people yelling, rushed over, and tried to intervene. Pearson reportedly cut Armstrong in the hand, which damaged an artery and several ligaments.
According to the warrant, as cited by the Florida Times-Union, "After being dislodged, the defendant sliced his own throat several times, telling witnesses he was attempting to kill himself."
Roge, Armstrong, Schemitz, and Pearson were all transported to the hospital with serious injuries.
Schemitz’s sister, Tatiana Cruceta, told WTLV-TV that she sustained damage to her spinal cord, is currently paralyzed, and underwent multiple surgeries. Roge reportedly had surgery earlier this week to treat a ruptured artery.
The Sheriff’s Office said, "Should the suspect survive his self-inflicted injuries, he will be charged with multiple felony charges, including attempted murder."
Schemitz is reportedly a senior and softball player at Ponte Vedra High School.
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