FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. – A Flagler County high school student will face sentencing on Wednesday for a violent attack on a teacher’s aide last year. Brendan Depa pleaded no contest to aggravated battery charges in connection to the February 2023 incident at Matanzas High School, where he physically assaulted the school employee after his Nintendo Switch was confiscated.
The attack, captured on video, showed Depa, a 6-foot-6, 270-pound teenager at the time, assaulting the woman by punching her a total of 15 times. He pushed her to the ground, charged towards her, and continued the assault until she lost consciousness. The victim, identified as Joan Naydich, secured a permanent injunction last year for protection against Depa, forbidding him from coming within 500 feet of her home or workplace.
As a result of his actions, Depa now faces a potential sentence of up to 30 years in prison. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, where the court will determine the appropriate consequences for his violent behavior.
The incident at Matanzas High School serves as a stark reminder of the importance of addressing violence in educational settings and ensuring the safety of school staff members. The attack underscores the need for measures to prevent such incidents and protect school employees from harm.
Following the assault, the school community and local authorities have been working to address the impact of the violence and ensure the well-being of both students and staff members. The sentencing of Depa will likely bring some form of closure to the victim and the school community affected by the traumatic event.
While the sentencing marks a significant step towards accountability for the perpetrator, it also highlights the ongoing effort to promote a safe and secure environment within schools. Continuing efforts to address and prevent violence in educational settings remain crucial in safeguarding the well-being of all individuals within the school community.