It’s been just over a month since a violent attack in a Florida restaurant left 17-year-old Madison Schemitz recovering from extensive stab wounds, but she says everything will “be OK.”
Speaking publicly for the first time since the assault, the Ponte Vedra High School rising senior addressed the audience on Friday at Brooks Rehabilitation, following the attack that left her paralyzed from the chest down.
As CrimeOnline previously reported, an arrest warrant from the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office indicated that 18-year-old Spencer Pearson was at Mr. Chubby’s Wings restaurant off Valley Circle in Ponte Vedra Beach in June, when he spotted his former girlfriend, Schemitz, along with her friend and her mother, at the establishment.
Schemitz, her mother, Jackie Rogé, and a friend, Casey Estep, had walked into the restaurant for lunch but quickly tried to leave when they spotted Pearson.
Pearson is accused of following the trio outside, where he allegedly stabbed Madison in the arm. When her mother tried to intervene, Pearson allegedly stabbed her, too, before a bystander stepped in to help. Pearson then stabbed the bystander before turning the knife on himself and cutting his own throat.
The incident unfolded after that pair broke up; Pearson then allegedly engaged in persistent harassment and stalking toward Schemitz. An arrest warrant states that Schemitz broke up with the defendant in April, leading to Pearson threatening her with violence before the attack.
“Regarding my recovery, I am currently paralyzed from the chest down,” Schemitz said Friday, according to the Florida Times-Union. “It will be a long and hard road, but I am determined and confident in myself that I will reach my goals to one day walk again … My story is just getting started.”
“More specifically I thank my mom. My mom was one of my heroes that day. My love for her is endless and I am so lucky to be her daughter. And finally, Kennedy Armstrong, the man who saved my life that day. I am forever endlessly grateful for the brave acts he showed. Kennedy is and forever will be my hero and is now family for life.”
Meanwhile, a St. Augustine judge denied bond for Pearson for an attempted murder charge after his discharge from a hospital last month. He was granted a $100,000 bond for aggravated assault charges.
According to SJSO, Pearson is being held in “special housing” due to his high risk of self-harm. Mental health professionals are reportedly on hand to meet with him.
The judge ordered Spencer to have no contact with the victim’s family, stay at least 1,500 feet away from them, and stay away from Mr. Chubby’s Wings. His next court date is not yet known.
Check back for updates.
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[Feature Photo: Pearson and Madison/Handout]
