Moment Spencer Pearson learns his fate, hugs his parents goodbye

Judge R. Lee Smith said while he considered Pearson's mental illness, he ultimately decided the case warranted the maximum sentence.

[teresagabriell]

I went to high school with Madison, and she’s one of the nicest girls I’ve met. To know that this horrific event happened to her is so sad. But I’m so glad she survived this tragedy and I’m so happy she is able to walk again. I wish her the best. She’s a fighter for overcoming this.

[charlesparker]

Can't help but see how much pain he caused to his mother. Sad day for any parent that have kids like this.

[traceytheisen]

I think this judge granted his goodbye to his family for his family’s well-being going forward. Compassionate judge. May Madison have a glorious, beautiful long healthy life.

[grocamole]

The mother sobbing in the background knowing she will never see him or really be able to hug him not behind bars is heartbreaking. He destroyed her

[stroys]

I spent 30 years in courtrooms, mostly as an expert witness. I have listened to judges render decisions on hundred of issues and cases. This judge was outstanding. He explained his reasoning in sufficient detail that no one could disagree that his was a well reasoned and fair judgement. We need more judges like him.

[brieaj]

Madison is very strong. To be able to sit in the same room as her attacker. Warrior right there!

[sbss]

I am so glad she survived. I hope she (and the families) continue to heal, mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

[kirstyj]

Absolutely heart wrenching for the parents on boths sides 💔

[georgiaamanatides]

My empathy is with the young woman and her family.

[nikiTricoteuse]

Compassionate judge to allow him to say goodbye to his family and something Pearson attempted to deny to his victims.

[bvp]

I feel bad for the mother but worse for the victims. It could have been that Madison's mother was weeping at her funeral rather than Spencer's mother weeping at his sentencing. Glad justice was served.

[ginnyhillyer]

My heart goes out to his mother but I’m so glad he got maximum sentence. Madison deserves a life without fear of this evil man. Madison is so strong and brave. I know she’ll go on to do great things. ❤

[donnalambert]

Kids don’t realize their family is punished too and their lives are ruined as well

[grimdrum]

Spencer put the pain in the hearts of those who love him, not the judge or anyone else!

[loisnoble]

My heart breaks for both families. What an amazing young lady to walk again after being paralyzed. His mother and father crying because no matter what he's still their child. Can a woman's tender care seize towards the child she bears. These young men and women need to be taught how to handle rejection. Two families are forever broken.

[XGenKaneShiroX]

Florida absurdly got some of the heaviest sentences for these types of things. The asinine life sentence that was imposed without considering any parole for Spencer, tells me that the judge has massive apathy & disdain towards people suffering from depression, people suffering from suicidal ideation, and people who lost a child. Judges like him are the worst and should definitely without a doubt be disbarred. Agreed with some of the people in the comment section saying it is an extremely excessive sentence because it certainly is, honestly, it should've been a lot more lenient than that.

[Ksangelnok]

Tragic story. I wish all states were this harsh. My daughers bf attacked her and murdered her at 25 in 2017. He gets out in 2033. This girl is lucky to be alive

[johnrodriguez]

He's lucky that HE EVEN WAS GIVEN THE CHANCE TO PHYSICALLY SAY GOODBYE TO HIS PARENTS; USUALLY JUDGES DON'T OR WON'T EVER ALLOW IT!

[jeffhurley]

We need more judges like this. We need to see justice.

[jman]

Life for attempted murder. Wow. People get 20 yrs for actually killing someone all the time.