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

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

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

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

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

Armstong suffered 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 attacked Schemitz from behind, restrained her and stabbed her about 15 times, authorities said after 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, the SJSO said.

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Before his sentencing, Pearson shared a statement with the judge, stating that he wants to “take responsibility for my actions” and “express my sincerest apologies” to the three victims, according to 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 about my terrible crimes every second of every day. It is constantly on my mind and this will never change.”

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

After his conviction, Schemitz shared his own statement. “As we move forward from here, we are focused on healing and rebuilding. This chapter, although challenging, is now behind us,” she said, according to images shared by local station WJXT. “And while it will take time, we are determined to move 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 supported me, I am confident that I will become stronger every day. What follows next is about finding peace, embracing the future and using the strength I have gained to help others who face similar challenges.”