Florida Teen Apologizes for Assaulting Teacher’s Aide Over Nintendo Switch

A Florida high school student, Brendan Depa, who was involved in a violent incident with a teacher’s aide over a Nintendo Switch, has expressed remorse in a handwritten apology letter that was not presented in court. In the letter, Depa described the attack as a “mistake” and conveyed his regret for injuring the aide, Joan Naydich. He emphasized that he is “extremely sorry” and relieved that her injuries did not result in permanent damage. The incident, which occurred last year, was captured on hallway security cameras, showing the 6-foot-6, 270-pound teen aggressively assaulting Naydich. He shoved her to the ground and continued to stomp on her while delivering multiple punches. Despite the severity of the attack, Depa’s tutor confirmed that the letter contained no edits, although it included some inaccuracies regarding the extent of Naydich’s injuries, as Depa had not seen the video footage of the assault. In his letter, Depa reflected on his emotional growth during his time in custody, stating that he has learned valuable skills and strategies. His mother, Leanne Depa, expressed concern for her son’s future, describing his situation as akin to a “death sentence” and indicating that he is frightened about what lies ahead. She also voiced her belief that he should not be incarcerated in a harmful environment, suggesting that he could thrive in a more supportive setting.