This is the case of Brendan J Depa, a former student at Matanzas High School in Palm Coast, Florida, who brutally assaulted a teacher’s aide in February 2023.
The attack, which was captured on a school security video and went viral on social media, showed Depa punching and kicking Joan Naydich, a 57-year-old paraprofessional, who fell unconscious after hitting her head on the floor.
Depa, who was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and oppositional defiant disorder, was charged with aggravated battery on a school board employee, a first-degree felony punishable by up to 30 years in prison. He was also involved in a jail fight with another inmate in September 2023.
Background
Brendan J Depa was born on August 22, 2005, to Jennifer and John Depa. He had two older brothers, Ryan and Tyler. According to his mother, Depa was a “sweet and loving” child who enjoyed playing video games and spending time with his family.
Joan Naydich in the photo above
However, he also struggled with behavioral and emotional issues since he was young. He was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) when he was six years old. ASD is a developmental disorder that affects communication and social skills, while ODD is a disruptive disorder that causes defiance and hostility toward authority figures. Depa received special education services and medication to help him cope with his conditions. He also attended therapy sessions with a psychologist.
Depa enrolled at Matanzas High School in 2019 as a freshman. He was placed in the Exceptional Student Education (ESE) program, which provides individualized instruction and support for students with disabilities. He was assigned to Joan Naydich, a paraprofessional who had been working at the school for 12 years.
Naydich was responsible for assisting Depa with his academic and behavioral needs. She was described by her colleagues as a “humble” and “dedicated” woman who cared deeply for her students.
The Incident
On February 21, 2023, around 1:15 p.m., Depa attacked Naydich in the ESE classroom at Matanzas High School. The incident was triggered by a dispute over a Nintendo Switch, a handheld gaming device that Depa had brought to school. According to witnesses, Naydich had asked Depa to put away the device and focus on his work. Depa refused and became agitated.
This is the video recording of the incident:
He knocked Naydich to the ground and then proceeded to punch her repeatedly in the face and body. He also kicked her in the ribs and spit on her as she lay motionless on the floor. The attack lasted for about 20 seconds before another teacher intervened and pulled Depa away from Naydich. The whole scene was recorded by a security camera in the classroom.
Naydich suffered severe injuries from the assault. She sustained multiple fractures to her face, skull, ribs, and shoulder.
Depa Faces Consequences
Depa was arrested and charged with aggravated battery on a school board employee, a first-degree felony punishable by up to 30 years in prison.
He was initially held at a juvenile detention center in Jacksonville, but he was transferred to the Flagler County jail on August 22, 2023, when he turned 18. He is currently awaiting trial as an adult.
Depa will be tried as an adult
His defense attorney has argued that Depa should not be held criminally responsible for his actions because of his mental health conditions. He has also requested that Depa be evaluated by a forensic psychologist to determine his competency to stand trial.
Credits: DailyMail