Teen caught on video beating teacher over video game pleads guilty

(Daily Caller News Foundation) – A Florida teen pleaded guilty to beating a teacher unconscious after his Nintendo Switch, a video game system, was confiscated, according to a report.

In February of 2023, Brendan Depa who was 17 at the time of the incident, threw Joan Naydich, a paraprofessional at Matanzas High School, to the ground, kicking her in the back and head over a dozen times, according to the New York Post.  The incident was caught on surveillance footage.

Depa, who is reportedly autistic appeared in court Monday. He pleaded guilty and faces up to 30 years in prison, per the outlet. His sentence will be determined in a hearing in January by Judge Terrence Perkins, the Post noted.

He was originally charged as a juvenile but is now facing charges for a first-degree felony charge of aggravated battery, per the outlet. He is being held on a $1 million bond, according to Flagler County Sheriff records. 

The State Attorney’s Office said he “did actually and intentionally touch or strike (the victim) against the will of (her) and in doing so used a deadly weapon, and/or intentionally or knowingly caused great bodily harm, permanent disability, or permanent disfigurement,” according to Click Orlando.

The January proceeding will include witness testimony for the defense and prosecution, the outlet reported. Depa’s attorneys argued that because of his mental condition, he isn’t competent to stand trial.

According to the outlet, Naydichto lighten his sentence has declined to make an effort.

“I’m hopeful that the awareness of this incident being spread far and wide will prevent anyone else from ever dealing with the trauma, physical healing and disruption of everyday life this has caused,” Naydich said on a GoFundMe page, the NY Post reported. Over $104,000 has been raised as of Tuesday night.

“The actions of this student are absolutely horrendous and completely uncalled for,” Sheriff Rick Staly said in a news release in February, Click Orlando reported. “We hope the victim will be able to recover, both mentally and physically, from this incident. Thankfully, students and staff members came to the victim’s aid before the SRDs could arrive. Our schools should be a safe place – for both employees and students.”