Florida Teacher Beaten Unconscious By 270-pound Student Living Off Donations After Being Put On Unpaid Leave.
Florida Teacher Assaulted by Teen Student Calls for Maximum Sentence
In a shocking incident that rocked Matanzas High School in Florida, a towering 17-year-old student, Brendan Depa, brutally assaulted teacher Joan Naydich.
Standing at an imposing 6 feet 6 inches, Depa’s violent outburst left Naydich with severe injuries, both visible and invisible. As the legal proceedings unfold, Naydich’s life has been irrevocably altered, prompting her to advocate for the maximum sentence for her attacker.
The Horrifying Attack
The assault took place in February, capturing the attention of the nation as surveillance cameras recorded the brutal incident. Depa, reportedly autistic, unleashed his fury after a teacher confiscated his Nintendo Switch.
Without warning, he ambushed Naydich from behind, throwing her to the floor and subjecting her to a barrage of kicks and punches.
The vicious beating, which left Naydich motionless, quickly went viral, shedding light on the alarming issue of violence within school premises.
![Florida Teacher Beaten Unconscious By 270-pound Student Living Off Donations](https://cdn.gigglewave.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/IMG_5142-1019x1024.jpeg)
Florida Teacher Beaten Unconscious By 270-pound Student Living Off Donations
Joan Naydich, in a heartfelt statement, revealed the profound impact the attack had on her life. “Everybody that knows me or knew me [before the attack], knows that I’m a totally different person now,” she lamented.
The assault not only resulted in visible injuries, such as five broken ribs, a severe concussion, and hearing loss, but also inflicted lasting cognitive issues, slowing her speech. Naydich emphasized the daunting reality that some of her injuries, though not visible, would persist for the rest of her life.
Legal Battle and Push for Justice
Depa pleaded guilty to the assault last month, admitting to the shocking attack on Naydich. However, Naydich, resolute in seeking justice, refuses to assist in seeking a lighter sentence for her assailant.
She firmly advocates for the maximum sentence of 30 years behind bars, highlighting the need for accountability and sending a strong message about the severity of such violent acts.
Lingering Consequences and Struggles
Apart from the physical and emotional toll, Naydich faces a challenging legal battle for workers’ compensation. Allegedly abandoned by the Flagler County School District since the assault, Naydich returned to the school in August under a different title only to be placed on an unpaid leave of absence.
The struggle for justice extends beyond the courtroom, encompassing the bureaucratic challenges of resolving her employment status.
Financial Strain and Community Support
Compounding Naydich’s hardships is the financial strain resulting from her unpaid leave. With no steady income, Naydich turns to the support of the community.
A GoFundMe account, initiated after the attack, has garnered approximately $106,000, reflecting the solidarity of individuals moved by Naydich’s plight.
The outpouring of generosity serves as a testament to the community’s commitment to helping Naydich rebuild her life.
A Call for Justice and Closure
In the midst of physical, emotional, and financial struggles, Joan Naydich remains steadfast in her pursuit of justice. The call for the maximum sentence is not just a legal plea but a fervent desire for closure and a sense of security for herself and others within the educational system.
As the legal proceedings continue, Naydich’s story stands as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address violence in schools and provide support for the victims who endure its enduring consequences.