A local teenager who was stabbed more than a dozen times outside of a Ponte Vedra Beach restaurant last month is expected to personally share her story for the first time on Friday.
Madison Schemitz will be surrounded by her family and friends when she gives an update on her progress in recovery at 9 a.m.
News4JAX has learned she wants to talk about her future ahead and to address the outpouring of support her family has received from the St. Johns County community. Her mother was also severely injured in the attack.
On Thursday, Schemitz’s mother posted a photo to the GoFundMe page set up for her family, showing her daughter meeting Kennedy Armstrong, one of the good Samaritans who intervened during the attack.
The post reads, “We got to meet our HERO Kennedy Armstrong! What an incredible young man, so blessed to call him family. Kennedy acted without hesitation or fear, and that is beyond admirable. The smile on Madison’s face remains priceless, no one can break my girl.”
Armstrong was injured when he dove into action after he and his friend Jimmy Stepp arrived at Mr. Chubby’s Wings on Valley Circle and saw Schemitz being attacked. Armstrong’s arm was sliced in the scuffle as he knocked the attacker off Schemitz. He needed surgery, but he is recovering.
Just days after the attack, News4JAX spoke to Armstrong, who recalled the moment he realized he needed to act.
“We pulled in to get food after work and I opened my car door and heard it,” he said. “I took off running as fast as I could. It was all just adrenaline. So much was going on until EMTs pulled up.”
Schemitz’s ex-boyfriend, Spencer Pearson, is now facing multiple charges, including attempted murder.
The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office is expected to be at Schemitz’s update on Friday as well.