In a recent incident that has sparked widespread debate on the internet, Brendan Depa was caught on camera assaulting his teacher, Joan Naydich. The altercation occurred after Naydich confiscated Depa’s Nintendo Switch.
The incident took place at Matanzas High School on February 21, 2023, and was captured on the school’s CCTV system. The video shows a visibly upset Depa attacking Naydich, resulting in multiple bruises on her face and two broken ribs. The severity of the assault required security personnel to intervene and rescue the teacher.
WATCH: Autistic Brendan Depa Beating Teacher Joan Naydich
Following the incident, Depa was arrested and charged with ‘Aggravated Battery,’ a felony that could potentially lead to a prison sentence of up to 30 years. Recently, Depa entered a guilty plea in court. The final judgment is expected to be delivered by Judge Terrence Perkins in January 2024.
The victim, Joan Naydich, has chosen not to advocate for a reduced prison time for Depa. In a statement, she expressed her hope that the case would raise awareness about such incidents and prevent others from experiencing similar trauma.
The video of the incident has gone viral on various social media platforms, leading to divided opinions among netizens. While some argue that Depa’s autism should be taken into consideration, others believe that his actions warrant the full extent of the law. This incident has also highlighted the challenges faced by autistic individuals in their daily lives.
As the internet continues to debate the incident, it remains to be seen what the final judgment will be and how it will impact discussions around the treatment of special needs individuals in educational settings.
