Madison Schemitz’s family break their silence after she was ‘stabbed to death by ex Spencer Pearson’, horrific injuries revealed
The devastated family of a hospitalized teenager have broken their silence after her ex-boyfriend followed them into a barbecue restaurant and attacked them, police said.
High schooler Madison Schemitz, 17, was left paralyzed after she was allegedly stabbed 15 times by Spencer Pearson, 18, in Ponte Vedre, Fla. on Friday.
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Pearson is in the hospital and will be arrested if he survives self-inflicted injuries following the incident.
Bystanders told local media that he cut his throat after allegedly assaulting the Ponte Vedra High School student, her mother and others who intervened.
Schemitz was having dinner with her mother, Jacklyn Rogé, and a few friends at Mr. Chubby’s Wings when Pearson walked in, Casey Estap, who was eating with them at the time, told the NBC affiliate WTLV.
The mother immediately told her friends they had to leave after seeing the man she was seeking a restraining order against and tried to quietly walk her daughter out.
Pearson reportedly saw the couple try to walk and then jumped at them.
Kennedy Armstrong had just pulled into the parking lot when he heard the screams of a knife man and ran fearlessly into the action.
He and his friend helped stop the situation, but everyone involved suffered devastating injuries.
Schemitz’s sibling, Tatiana Cruceta, said their teenage sister had multiple surgeries after the attack and that their mother also underwent surgery for a ruptured artery in her hand.
The rising senior and softball star was stabbed 15 times all over her body, including in places in her back, and was left paralyzed afterward, the heartbroken sister said.
Despite the grim situation, Cruceta is confident the rising senior and softball star will do well.
“Madison is a fighter, you know. She will get through this and I know she will get out of this hospital,” Cruceta told WTLV.
“She’s leaked some spinal fluid so she can’t move or feel her legs right now. But we hope for a very speedy recovery.”
LOCAL HEROES
Armstrong said the horrific incident was a blur as he swooped into action without a second thought.
“When you see two girls in trouble being attacked by a man, I would hope most people would do the same,” he told reporters on Sunday.
“A big compliment to the mother. I think she’s the real reason the girl is alive.”
After stopping the fight, Armstrong was shocked to look down and see his pants were covered in blood.
It turned out that the homeland hero’s right hand was badly injured, damaging an artery and several ligaments.
“I can only move my thumb fully,” he said. “I have no movement in those two fingers. I can only move these two fingers up and down. It is what it is.”
While his own injuries require surgery, Armstrong said his top priority is the safety of Schemitz and her mother.
“I was more concerned that the ladies would be okay. Now that I know this, I have faith that the doctors will heal my hand well.”
Armstrong family members started one GoFundMe to raise money for upcoming operations.
‘CUTEST GIRL’
Schemitz’s heartbroken sister cannot imagine what could make anyone do such a thing to the girl who is said to be infinitely kind and loving.
“She’s so beautiful and smart and I don’t know who could do something like that,” Cruceta said.
Schemitz’ mother made a statement about this News4Jax after the terrible ordeal.
“I would like to ask for privacy at this time, but ask everyone to pray for my daughter. She’s the strongest and most amazing person I know,” she began.
“We owe a huge debt of gratitude to young man Kennedy for saving Madison’s life, as well as to the incredible trauma team, neurosurgeons and hospital staff at Memorial Hospital.”
Police documents obtained from First Coastal News revealed that the mother had filed a complaint against the suspect less than a week before the attack.
The mother told the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office that Pearson was acting strangely towards Schemitz, following her to school and leaving notes on her car.
Pearson was also accused of harassing Schemitz on social media, which included creating fake accounts to contact her after she blocked him.
Schemitz’s mother told officers that Pearson had not made any credible threats toward the teen at the time.
Pearson was charged with two counts of attempted first-degree first-degree murder and aggravated assault.
After the attack, Pearson is not allowed to contact the victims and is not allowed to possess any weapons or firearms.
Pearson is also required to wear a GPS monitor.
Two different GoFundMes were started to support Schemitz in her recovery.
“Madison is a rising senior at PV High and a star softball player,” one organizer wrote.
“Madison is the sister of five siblings and has a long road to recovery as she is in critical condition at Memorial Hospital in Jacksonville.”
Combined that fundraisers have received over $130,000 in donations.
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