Florida Teacher, Joan Naydich Brutally Assaulted by Student Over Nintendo Dispute, Refuses Leniency


In Florida, a teacher faced a brutal assault from a 270-pound 17-year-old student, Brendan Depa, after instructing him to cease playing on his Nintendo console. The distressing incident, caught on camera and widely circulated online, depicted Matanzas High School teacher Joan Naydich enduring a series of kicks and punches on her back before school staff intervened to restrain Depa.


Although facing a potential 30-year prison term for first-degree aggravated battery, Depa's former teacher, as reported by Flagler Live, has chosen not to assist in reducing the severity of the penalties he might confront.

According to reports, during the time of his arrest, Depa allegedly made threats to kill Naydich. However, Naydich has denied confiscating the Nintendo Switch, contrary to the initial report of the altercation. 

Depa has decided to plead guilty to avoid a trial; initially charged as a minor, his charges were subsequently elevated. Judge Terrence Perkins retains the authority to decide whether to treat Depa as a juvenile.


Expressing his disappointment with the lack of respect exhibited by the students, Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly emphasized the importance of consequences for such behavior. 

Further reports revealed that the teen had been arrested three times for battery before this incident and had engaged in a jail altercation the previous month. The court's decision is expected to take into consideration his disability.

Joan Naydich shared her hopes that the widespread awareness of the incident would prevent others from enduring the trauma, physical recovery, and disruption it has brought into her life. 


A GoFundMe page was created by a friend, amassing a significant sum of $100,000 for the mother of two. Joan, known for her selfless dedication to others, has been juggling two jobs to support her family and is now in need of support during this challenging time to recuperate and spend quality time with her children without financial concerns.

An update on September 6 indicated that Naydich is currently under the care of a specialist, dealing with hearing loss, vision complications, shoulder discomfort, and constant pain resulting from the rib injuries.


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