FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. – A sentencing hearing for a Flagler County high school student caught on video violently attacking a teacher’s aide last year was continued.
In October, Brendan Depa pleaded no contest to aggravated battery charges in the February 2023 attack at Matanzas High School. Depa kicked and punched the school employee after he became upset that his Nintendo Switch was taken away.
A hearing was held Wednesday, but the judge did not make a decision and said he needed to hear from more witnesses. The state argued Depa should face serious time behind bars. The woman in the attack also spoke in court and argued for jail time.
“Brendan Depa’s actions that day has caused me to lose a job that I had for almost 19 years, lose my financial security, lose my health insurance,” she said.
A psychologist also testified that Depa is aggressive and his actions were intentional. However, his attorneys argued he has several known disabilities and triggers that lead to outbursts.
According to an arrest report, Depa — who is 6 feet, 6 inches tall and 270 pounds — punched the woman a total of 15 times.
Video showed the then-17-year-old push the employee to the ground, charge toward the woman and attacked her. From that point, she was unconscious.
The Matanzas High School employee, Joan Naydich, filed a permanent injunction last year for protection against Depa from coming within 500 feet of her home or place of work.
Depa faces up to 30 years in prison.
Wednesday’s sentencing is set for 1:30 p.m.
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