Four people have been hospitalized after the ex-boyfriend of a high school softball star stabbed the teen and her mother before being restrained by a passerby, whom he attacked before attempting suicide.
The incident occurred on Saturday, June 3, when Madison Schemitz, 17, was having lunch with her mother and a friend.
The perpetrator,18-year-old Spencer Pearson, had recently graduated from Ponte Vedra High School and was a former football player. Schemitz had recently ended their relationship due to Pearson’s history of threatening her with violence over several months. Schemitz’s mother, Jackie Roge, had been attempting to obtain a restraining order against the young man. Concerned for their safety, the group hastily left the restaurant, only to be confronted by Pearson outside.
Casey Estep, a close friend of Roge, was present during the incident and recounted her observations. Estep noticed Pearson, recognizing the school logo on his attire, which indicated he attended the same school. Sensing the urgency, the group quickly made plans to leave. While Estep was finalizing the bill, Pearson sprinted toward them in the parking lot.
According to Estep, Roge acted instinctively to protect her daughter. Pearson viciously attacked Schemitz and her mother, stabbing them several times. Kennedy Armstrong, a 23-year-old passerby, heard their cries for help and rushed to their aid. He witnessed Pearson assaulting Schemitz, repeatedly stabbing her, while her mother sustained stab wounds to her leg and forehead.
Armstrong intervened, forcibly removing Pearson from the scene. Pearson turned his attention towards Armstrong and severed an artery in his arm. Pearson then attempted to take his own life by slashing his throat.
Schemitz underwent multiple surgeries for deep cuts to her spine while her mother, Roge, prepared for surgery for severed muscles in her hand. Armstrong required surgical intervention to reconnect nerves, repair scarring, and treat the severed artery.
Pearson will face charges of attempted murder and multiple felonies if he survives.