Spencer Pearson’s lawyers are appealing his life sentence for stabbing his ex-girlfriend, Madison Schemitz, and two others outside a Ponte Vedra Beach restaurant last year.

His attorney, Matthew Kachergus, filed the appeal 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 severity of the crime justified the harshest punishment.

“Some crimes deserve the maximum possible sentence,” Judge Smith said.

Attack Outside the Restaurant

Pearson and Schemitz dated while attending Ponte Vedra High School. After their breakup, Pearson became increasingly angry and unstable.

On the day of the attack, Schemitz, her mother, and a friend were at Mr. Chubby’s Wings when they saw Pearson. Alarmed, they tried to leave quickly, but Pearson chased them outside.

He stabbed Schemitz at least 17 times, causing permanent spinal injuries. He also stabbed her mother, Jaclyn Roge, and Kennedy Armstrong, a bystander who tried to stop the attack.

Pearson’s Defense and Victims’ Response

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

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

The judge ultimately sided with Schemitz and the prosecutors, saying Pearson’s actions caused long-term harm to many people.

Now, Schemitz and her mother are suing Pearson, his parents, and the restaurant where the attack happened, claiming negligence.