Spencer Pearson: Teen charged with Madison Schemitz stabbing tried to take his own life weeks before attack
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FLORIDA: Spencer Pearson, the 19-year-old charged with the brutal stabbing of his ex-girlfriend, 17-year-old Madison Schemitz, had allegedly attempted suicide just weeks before the horrific attack that left Schemitz paralyzed.
Pearson, who pleaded not guilty to the charges of attempted murder, faces a tumultuous legal battle that now includes revelations about his mental health struggles leading up to the incident.
Who is Madison Schemitz?
Schemitz, a senior at Ponte Vedra High School, was at a restaurant with her mother, Jacki Roge, and friend Casey Estep on June 3 when they encountered Pearson.
Roge had previously filed a complaint against Pearson for allegedly stalking the 17-year-old following their breakup.
The distressed mother reported incidents of Pearson following her daughter to school, leaving notes on her car, and harassing her on social media through fake accounts.
How did the tragic incident unfold?
The incident unfolded in June outside a restaurant in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, where Pearson allegedly stabbed Schemitz fifteen times. Moreover, court records indicate that Pearson had previously attempted to take his own life in April, leading to a five-day hospitalization.
Concerned about their son's mental well-being, Pearson's parents arranged for him to consult with counselors from a virtual mental health service called 'Here Tomorrow.'
According to court filings by Pearson's attorneys, he "saw personnel of Here Tomorrow on or about April 17," the papers state, and the night after the meeting, he attempted suicide, resulting in his hospitalization.
Spencer Pearson's mental health struggle
Shockingly, Pearson's interaction with mental health services continued, as he met with representatives from 'Here Tomorrow' again on June 1, just two days before the brutal attack on Schemitz.
The attack occurred as the group left the restaurant, with Pearson charging at Schemitz. A courageous bystander, Kennedy Armstrong, 23, intervened, pulling Pearson away and potentially saving her life.
In a press conference in July, Schemitz spoke about her recovery, expressing, "There's no looking back," Daily Mail reports.
"Everything happens for a reason. I'm incredibly lucky to be alive today and will take each day as its own opportunity to live and make a difference in the world. Moving forward I will be starting a One Love chapter at my high school, in hopes of raising awareness about the unhealthy behaviors in relationships," she said.
"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," she added.
