Spencer Pearson is appealing his life sentence for stabbing his ex-girlfriend, Madison Schemitz, and two others outside a restaurant last year.

Pearson’s lawyer, Matthew Kachergus, filed a notice with Florida’s Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals on Dec. 20.

On Nov. 22, Judge R. Lee Smith sentenced Pearson to life in prison, saying the crime was serious enough to deserve the harshest punishment.

“There are just certain crimes that deserve the maximum sentence,” Smith said.

Attack Outside Restaurant

Pearson and Schemitz both attended Ponte Vedra High School and dated before breaking up. After the breakup, Pearson became increasingly angry and unstable.

On the day of the attack, Schemitz, her mother, and a friend spotted Pearson at Mr. Chubby’s Wings and quickly left. Pearson chased after them and stabbed Schemitz at least 17 times, causing permanent spinal injuries.

He also stabbed Schemitz’s mother, Jaclyn Roge, and Kennedy Armstrong, a bystander who tried to stop the attack.

Defense and Court Ruling

Pearson’s lawyer argued for a lighter sentence, saying he suffered from mental illness and brain trauma from playing football.

However, Schemitz urged the court to hold him fully responsible. She described her painful recovery and lasting emotional scars.

The judge agreed with her and the prosecutors, saying Pearson’s actions caused severe harm to multiple people.

Civil Lawsuit

Schemitz and her mother are now suing Pearson, his parents, and the restaurant for negligence.