A Florida teenager has been sentenced to five years in prison for assaulting a high school staff member in a case that’s drawn national attention.
Brendan Depa, now 18, attacked a teacher’s aide at Matanzas High School in Palm Coast last February, reportedly over a Nintendo Switch gaming device.
The incident left Joan Naydich, the paraprofessional, with serious injuries including broken ribs and a severe concussion.
Surveillance footage of the attack went viral, showing Depa, a large teenager, knocking Naydich unconscious and continuing to punch her.
In court, prosecutor Melissa Clark highlighted the attack’s brutality. “I counted 15 times that he punched her while she was completely unconscious,” Clark said. “But for those five people pulling him off, I don’t think she would be here today.”
Depa pleaded no contest to felony aggravated battery.
Along with prison time, he’ll serve 15 years of probation and live in a group home after release. He faced up to 30 years behind bars.
BREAKING: The Florida student who went viral for beating his teacher unconscious has been sentenced to five years in state prison.
Brendan Depa, a 6 feet, 6-inch, 270-pound teen, beat his teacher Joan Naydich for taking his Nintendo.
Depa's mother is blaming the "system" for… pic.twitter.com/treEQNKGNA
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) August 7, 2024
The case has sparked debate about school safety and special education.
Depa’s lawyers pushed for probation only, citing his autism and age at the time.
His mother claims the school district failed her son, stating, “They are punishing that he is Black, they are punishing that he is large, and they are punishing his disability.”
This sentiment is echoed in a lawsuit Depa filed against the school district.
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It alleges educators didn’t properly address his past behavioral issues, claiming, “The district should be held to account for its failures which have forever changed the trajectory of this young man’s life.”
Joan Naydich didn't just get called a bitch, a whore, and spit on
She got 5 broken ribs, a concussion, and loss of hearing
She lost her job of 19 years and lost her health insurance
6'6", 270lbs Brendan Depa, well, yesterday he only got 5 years, will be out in 2
Seems legit~ pic.twitter.com/wOHZvJwyOB
— TruthInBytes (@bytesintruth) August 7, 2024