The teacher’s aide who was brutally beaten by a large student says that she had not confiscated his Nintendo Switch as had been widely reported.
Security video of the vicious assault was met with horror across the nation. The 270-pound, 6-foot-6-inch tall student is seen knocking her down before pummeling her unconscious body at Matanzas High School in Palm Coast, Florida.
Joan Naydich, the 57-year-old victim, has spoken out after being hospitalized for her injuries and released.
Some on social media criticized Naydich for reportedly taking a Nintendo Switch away from the student, but she addressed those critics in a statement through a GoFundMe campaign set up for her benefit.
“For all you keyboard warriors, I just want to set the record straight. I never took the Nintendo Switch from him. From anyone that’s read or heard differently, I’ve been told this was unfortunately misinformation,” Naydich wrote.
She also thanked her supporters in the statement.
“Overwhelmed with the idea of the long fight ahead,” the single mom wrote, “your contributions are lessening that burden and I’m truly grateful! I’m hopeful that the awareness of this incident being spread far and wide will prevent anyone else from ever dealing with the trauma, physical healing and disruption of everyday life that this has caused. It’s touching to know that so many care. This certainly wasn’t how I saw my son’s senior year turning out for our family.”
The student has been identified as 17-year-old Brendan Depa, who has a violent history and is considered behaviorally disabled.
Law enforcement officials said Depa will be tried as an adult for aggravated battery on a school board employee, an offense that carries a possible sentence of 30 years in prison if convicted.
He reportedly told police that he was going to kill Naydich when he is released from custody.
The GoFundMe campaign for Naydich has garnered over $84k in donations from supporters.
Here’s more about the heinous incident:
Family of Teacher’s Aide Attacked by Student Speaks Outwww.youtube.com
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