Man Who Paralyzed Ex-Girlfriend and Injured Her Mom in Stabbing Sentenced to Spend Life in Prison: 'I Need Serious Help'

The Florida man who stabbed his ex-girlfriend and her mother last summer will spend the remainder of his life behind bars.

Spencer Ross Pearson was sentenced to life in prison during a Friday, Nov. 22 sentencing hearing, according to a press release from the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office (SJSO). The sentencing comes after Pearson pleaded guilty to two counts of attempted first-degree murder with a weapon and aggravated battery causing serious bodily injury with a weapon in July.

Pearson was first arrested after stabbing three victims outside a Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., restaurant on June 3, 2023. He was 18 at the time.

One of the victims was Pearson’s ex-girlfriend, Madison Schemitz. It was later revealed that he had been stalking and harassing the then-17-year-old prior to the attack.

Schemitz’s mother, Jaclyn “Jacki” Roge, was also stabbed by Pearson while attempting to protect her daughter, along with a third victim, Kennedy Armstrong.

Armstong received serious hand injuries after he intervened and incapacitated Pearson until police arrived, but not before the attacker slit his own throat in a suicide attempt, authorities said.

Pearson allegedly assaulted Schemitz from behind, held her down and proceeded to stab her approximately 15 times, authorities said following the attack. The traumatic injuries suffered by the teen, who was a star softball player at Ponte Vedra High School, left her paralyzed from the chest down.

Schemitz, who is now a freshman in college, underwent intensive physical therapy and was able to walk across the stage to receive her high school diploma less than a year after she was attacked, according to the SJSO.

Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE’s free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases.

Prior to his sentencing, Pearson shared a statement with the judge, stating that he wants to “take responsibility for my actions” and “express my sincerest apology” to the three victims, per courtroom footage shared by WJXT.

“I’m sure June 3 was the worst day of their lives,” Pearson said. “It was also the worst day of mine, and always will be. On this day, I hurt three innocent people. I think of my terrible crimes committed every second of every day. It’s on my mind constantly, and this will never ever change.”

“I need serious help, and I have for a long time,” he added.

Following his sentencing, Schemitz shared a statement of her own. “As we move forward from here we are focused on healing and rebuilding. This chapter, though challenging, is now behind us,” she said, per footage shared by local outlet WJXT. “And while it will take time, we are committed to moving forward with hope and strength.”

“For me the journey is far from over,” Schemitz continued. “There are still many steps to take, many challenges ahead and many lessons to learn, but with the support of those who have stood by me, I’m confident that I will continue to grow stronger each day. What’s next is about finding peace, embracing the future and using the strength I’ve gained to help others who may face similar struggles.”