A young girl who was mugged and stabbed 15 times by her bullying ex-boyfriend has revealed she is now paralyzed.
Madison Schemitz, 17, lives in Florida where she was targeted by 18-year-old Spencer Pearson.
On June 3, he reportedly followed Madison and her mother to a restaurant where they were eating. He then allegedly attacked the teenage girl as she was leaving the restaurant, while remaining nearby, stabbing her more than a dozen times.
Photo from Facebook | Spencer Pearson
The Ponte Verde High School student was paralyzed from the chest down after the shocking attack, in which the 18-year-old suspect also attempted to slit his throat, police said.
Madison, speaking at Brooks Rehabilitation, was surrounded by her mother, friends, medical staff and Kennedy Armstrong, a stranger who rushed to her aid during the attack.
St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office
“In terms of my recovery, I am currently paralyzed from the chest down. The road will be long and difficult, but I am determined and have confidence to achieve my goals and one day be able to walk again… My story has only just begun,” she told reporters.
Ms. Madison thanked everyone who came to her aid and expressed her gratitude to the emergency services.
She especially thanked Mr. Armstrong, a stranger who came to her aid.
“I am eternally grateful to him for the bravery he showed. Kennedy is and will always be my hero and he is now a lifelong part of my family,” she said.
Photo by GoFundMe
Kennedy Armstrong, 23, was also stabbed while stepping in to help Madison. In particular, he suffered from a severed artery in his right arm.
Moments later, the suspect cut his throat multiple times and told witnesses he was attempting suicide, police said.
Spencer has reportedly harassed and stalked Madison since their split in April.
The soccer player had just graduated but suffered from mental health issues.
The victim’s mother mentioned that Spencer followed her daughter to school, left notes on her car and used fake social media accounts to message her.
However, Madison has no intention of letting this tragedy defeat her.
“I believe there is no turning back. Everything happens for a reason. I am incredibly lucky to be alive today. I will use every day as an opportunity to live and make a difference in the world,” Madison said during her speech at Brooks Rehabilitation.
Spencer faces two charges: attempted first-degree first-degree murder and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
He has been in the St. Johns County Jail since his release from hospital on June 23, but is being placed in special housing as he remains at risk of suicide.