PONTE VERDA, Fla. — An 18-year-old individual accused of stabbing three people made their first court appearance on Tuesday after injuring themselves with the same knife.
According to the John’s County Sheriff’s Office, on June 3rd at 4:30 p.m., deputies were called to a stabbing incident on Valley Circle in Ponte Verda.
Witnesses informed dispatch that the suspect, later identified as 18-year-old Spencer Pearson, stabbed three individuals in a parking lot before proceeding to intentionally harm themselves by slashing their own throat.
Upon the arrival of first responders, the three victims were attended to, with one sustaining life-threatening injuries. Among the victims was a 17-year-old girl.
The sheriff’s office reported that Pearson was found near the three victims and all were promptly transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.
According to the arrest report, Pearson had allegedly been stalking and harassing the 17-year-old girl since April 2023. On June 3rd, while the teenage victim was dining with friends at a restaurant, Pearson was also present at a nearby table.
When the girl noticed Pearson, she decided to leave the establishment. Approximately 20 seconds later, Pearson charged toward her.
During a recorded interview, one of the victims stated that Pearson held the 17-year-old girl with one arm and stabbed her approximately 15 times.
Another victim, who tried to intervene, ended up being stabbed in the forehead and leg. A bystander, the third victim, rushed to help and disarm Pearson but was also stabbed in the process.
After receiving medical treatment, Pearson was taken into custody by the authorities.
Pearson’s mugshot displays the stitches across their neck resulting from the self-inflicted injury.
Pearson has been charged with two counts of attempted first-degree murder with a weapon and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon causing permanent disability. They have been denied bail.
Pearson is scheduled to appear in court again on July 28th at 1:30 p.m. for a felony arraignment.
