Jacksonville, FL – The 20-year-old Florida man, later identified as Spenser, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole including an additional 30 years in prison to serve concurrently after he was convicted of multiple charges, including attempted murder in connection with the June 2023 incident which left his former partner partially paraIyzed and her parent seriously injured. In the nearly fatal attack, a bystander was also injured while trying to help the victim. Prosecutors say the good man who intervened is probably why the then-17-year-old victim, Maddison, is still alive. Kenedy, the victim’s rescuer, who ended up suffering a serious hand injury which has forever changed his ability to earn a living.
During the investigation process, authorities discovered that the defendant launched an attack on both his former partner and her mom. During the sentencing, the judge described his case as very difficult: “The events that unfolded on that afternoon were horrific. The defendant launched a vicious attack on a 17-year-old girl who had done nothing but showed him love, and only weeks earlier, had done her part to try to save his life when he attempted suicide.” The defendant’s attorney asked for a light sentence for their client, mentioning the defendant’s mental capacity, his age and head injuries sustained in contact sport.
According to the court documents, several weeks before the nearly fatal attack, the defendant reportedly started staIking the victim. On the day of the attack, the victim and her mom were seen sitting in a local restaurant. Shortly after, the defendant walked into the restaurant. When the then-17-year-old realized that her ex walked in into the restaurant, she reportedly left with her mom. The defendant then followed both before he pulled a knife and started stabbing them. Their rescuer, Kenedy, stepped in only to be stabbed by the attacker. During the investigation process, authorities reportedly found a knife sharpening block in the defendant’s possession.
During the sentencing, the victim reportedly addressed the court and talked about her recovery journey and her physical and mental struggles. The woman claims she now struggles from PTSD and anxiety every day, and still deal with the sleepless nights and constant nightmares. The defendant’s attorney described their client as an anxious lone person who spiraled into depression after his former partner broke up with him a few months before the attack, and even attempted suicide. The attorney also stated that their client’s brain scans showed signs of trauma from years of playing contact sport that resulted in diminished impulse control, acting without regard to consequences, and being easily agitated. The defendant attempted to slash his own throat in the domestic violence attack. “I need serious help and I have for a long time, and I am so sorry for what this has come to, I am so sorry for my actions,” he reportedly said as he addressed the courtroom during his sentencing hearing.
The victim and her mother have filed a lawsuit against their attacker, his parents, and the restaurant, seeking damages and citing negligent security. The attack left the then-17-year-old partially paralyzed, but in a remarkable recovery, she was able to walk across the stage at her graduation less than a year later. The lawsuit claims that the defendant’s parents were aware of his mental health issues, as they had sought treatment for him days before the attack. The victim’s mother also expressed concerns about his behavior to the defendant’s parents. The suit said his parents gave him a large knife, which was used in the attack, even though he had a history of homicidal and suicidal thoughts.