Valley woman attacked at Pony Express speaks out for first time

Just two months ago, a Valley woman was in critical condition after she was violently attacked with a hammer while working at a western apparel store in Cathedral City.

On Tuesday, her attacker pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 37 years in prison.

“It’s just made such a difference in my life, this whole thing. It’s a shame, it’s a shame, because I can’t go on the way I was going. I don’t feel as human. I don’t feel as capable,” said Janis Christian.

Christian was working at the former Pony Express western outfitters store in Cathedral City when a man walked in, browsed the store and attacked her with a hammer.

“He was just a customer. I was trying to take care of him, the way I do any thousands of customers,” explained Christian.

Christian was in the hospital for nearly 5 weeks, fighting for her life.

On Monday, 41-year-old Keith Schouten pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 37 years in state prison.

“He’s off the street where he can’t hurt people. I’m very glad he’s where he is, and I hope he stays for a while,” said Christian.

Christians’ daughter, Jennifer Bramblett, has been by her mother’s side since she was admitted to the hospital.

“She could not, she would not be discharged without someone being with her 24 hours a day. She always has to be concerned now, for the rest of her life, of hitting her head. She had severe head trauma. Everything you have to be so cautious about. She’s on medication that’s dangerous, and you have to worry about those side effects,” Bramblett said.

“Things make me sick, driving makes me dizzy. I can be walking somewhere and feel disoriented after a while. I don’t feel quite myself. I think it’ll take a while, with the head injuries and stuff, it’s still there,” Christian said.

Despite the long road to recovery, Christian says she feels blessed.

“To be home for Christmas and seeing all the people I love that are close to me, and the new baby, it’s wonderful. When I think about where I could be, sick and laying in a hospital bed, this is better,” Christian said.

Christian and her family set up a GoFundMe page back in October — they’re just about $2,000 short to meeting their goal.