Joan Naydich, the Florida teacher assaulted by a 17-year-old student over a confiscated Nintendo Switch, is advocating for the maximum 30-year prison sentence for her assailant, Brendan Depa.
The incident occurred in February at Matanzas High School, resulting in severe injuries for Naydich, including five broken ribs, a concussion, and hearing loss. The assault, captured on surveillance cameras, prompted the launch of a GoFundMe account that has raised approximately $106,000 to support Naydich. Despite returning to the school under a different title in August, she was later placed on unpaid leave. Naydich, now facing cognitive problems, emphasized that several injuries are not visible and will have lasting impacts.
Struggling with her workers’ compensation case, Naydich feels abandoned by the Flagler County School District. Depa, diagnosed with autism, pleaded guilty to the assault, and Naydich has declined to assist in seeking a lighter sentence. The scheduled January sentencing proceeding will include testimonies from both the prosecution and defense. Depa’s attorneys previously argued mental deficits and claimed his incompetence to stand trial, but the court rejected this before his guilty plea. The 18-year-old had three prior battery arrests before the attack on Naydich.
For even more information, take a look at these chilling posts:
JUST IN: The Florida teacher who was beaten unconscious by a 270 pound teen reportedly wants “no mercy” for her attacker & says she has been living off donations.
Good 🔥
The victim, Joan Naydich, says her whole life has been turned upside down and she wants the maximum… pic.twitter.com/gVeEHdtVro
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) November 16, 2023
Why is this teacher Joan Naydich who got brutally assaulted by a 6’6″ 270 lb black male student having to live off of donations? https://t.co/ZxOTlREHjN
— Dick Hammer (@DickHammer48) November 16, 2023
we should think about multiplying the fund for Joan Naydich https://t.co/xdtqtJWqT3
— Maureen Gilchrist (@megilchr1) November 15, 2023
