Matanzas high school horror – Nintendo switch showdown turns violent

A shocking incident unfolded at Matanzas High School, revealing a violent clash between a teacher and a student over a Nintendo Switch gaming dispute. In the throes of this digital duel, the student, Brendan Depa, unleashed a brutal assault on his teacher, Joan Naydich, leaving her beaten and unconscious.

Caught on video, the altercation occurred in February 2023 when Joan Naydich confronted 17-year-old Depa for playing his Nintendo Switch during class. The hefty 270-pound student retaliated by kicking and punching Naydich multiple times, prompting staff intervention. The teacher, left unconscious, was rushed to the hospital for treatment.

As Depa turned 18, he faced a first-degree felony charge of aggravated battery, a stark contrast to the initial juvenile charge. In October, Depa confessed to the crimes, potentially facing a sentence of up to 30 years behind bars. The upcoming hearing, presided over by Judge Terence Perkins, will determine the severity of his punishment, ranging from imprisonment to probation.

Witness testimony will play a crucial role in shaping the proceedings, shedding light on the disturbing incident that transpired nearly a year ago. Naydich, who staunchly refuses to assist in mitigating Depa’s sentence, recently opened up about the terrifying ordeal in her first major interview since the attack.

Speaking to The New York Post, Naydich recalled her last memory as having her hand on the door handle before awakening in the ER at 3:30 pm, where her son and daughter anxiously awaited her.

Naydich initially encountered Depa in a special needs classroom in January 2022, providing assistance to the primary teacher and ensuring a smooth transition for Depa and his classmates throughout the school day. Despite dealing with occasional intimidation, Naydich never perceived a physical threat until the Nintendo Switch incident.

The atmosphere changed dramatically when Naydich reported Depa’s disruptive behavior to his next teacher. In response, the student grew aggressive, hurling insults and even spitting in Naydich’s face. The altercation reached its peak when Depa assaulted Naydich, with the teacher’s last memory being the door handle before regaining consciousness in the hospital.