In a tearful courtroom scene, Leanne Depa, the adoptive mother of a towering 17-year-old schoolboy, pleaded with the judge for leniency. Her son, Brendan Depa, who stands at 6 feet 6 inches and weighs 270 pounds, was involved in a violent altercation with a teacher’s aide.
During his sentencing, Leanne, who adopted Brendan when he was just five months old, asked the judge to allow him to return home with her.
The incident in question occurred in February 2023 at Matanzas High School in Palm Coast, Florida.
Brendan Depa brutally attacked 59-year-old Joan Naydich, a teacher’s aide, after she confiscated his Nintendo Switch.
Brendan tackled Naydich and repeatedly punched her, causing severe bruising and rendering her unconscious.
Legal Proceedings and Sentence
Despite the gravity of the attack, Brendan, now a legal adult, received a sentence of five years in state prison followed by 15 years of probation.
The reduced sentence has sparked outrage online, with many feeling it is insufficient given the severity of his crime.
Initially facing up to 30 years in prison, Brendan’s final sentence was influenced by his mother’s testimony and his defense team’s arguments.
Leanne Depa testified about her son’s difficult past and struggles with autism, detailing his sense of abandonment after being sent to a treatment facility at age 14.
She emphasized that she understood his triggers and needs, although Brendan’s behavior at the facility had been troubling. His history included violent incidents, such as head-butting staff and attacking a doctor.
At the school, Leanne had informed staff about Brendan’s triggers, including his reaction to electronics.
Despite her warnings, the incident with Naydich escalated after she tried to take away Brendan’s gaming console.
Following the attack, Brendan was captured on surveillance video violently assaulting Naydich.
Victim’s Impact and Legal Actions
Joan Naydich, who sustained multiple injuries including broken ribs and a concussion, shared how the attack affected her life. She lost her job, financial security, and health insurance due to the injuries.
Naydich has also sought a permanent injunction to keep Brendan away from her home and workplace. She described the lasting impact of the attack on her cognitive functions and overall well-being.
Defense and Final Ruling
Brendan’s attorneys argued that the teacher’s aide was not equipped to handle his special needs, suggesting the attack was a manifestation of his disability. However, Judge Terence Perkins dismissed these claims, highlighting the brutality of the attack captured on video.
The judge emphasized that Brendan knew his actions were wrong and showed no remorse.
Public Reaction and Future Steps
Leanne Depa expressed her belief that her son’s punishment was influenced by factors such as his race, size, and disability. While she had hoped for an alternative to prison time, public sentiment has been harsh, with many calling for a longer sentence.
On social media, people have criticized the sentence as too lenient, with some expressing concern that Brendan may violate his parole and return to prison.
In addition to his prison sentence, Brendan will undergo a thorough mental health evaluation, and a treatment plan will be developed for his disabilities.