BUNNELL, Fla. – A Flagler County high school student is facing sentencing after a violent attack on a teacher’s aide last year at Matanzas High School. Brendan Depa pleaded no contest to aggravated battery charges in an incident where he kicked and punched the school employee after his Nintendo Switch was confiscated.
During the February 2023 attack, Depa, a 6 feet, 6 inches tall and 270-pound teenager, repeatedly punched the woman. Video evidence captured the then-17-year-old pushing the employee to the ground, charging towards her, and assaulting her until she was unconscious.
In response to the attack, the employee, Joan Naydich, sought and obtained a permanent injunction against Depa, requiring him to stay at least 500 feet away from her home and workplace. The severity of the assault has prompted Depa to face a potential sentence of up to 30 years in prison.
The sentencing hearing for Depa is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, with the case highlighting the serious consequences of violent actions within school environments. The incident underscores the importance of maintaining a safe and respectful atmosphere for all individuals in educational settings. Such acts of violence not only impact the immediate victims but also have broader implications for school communities and society as a whole.