Florida teen who beat teacher’s aide: Apology not read in court

( NewsNation ) — Brendan Depa, a Florida student caught on video attacking a teacher’s aide, wrote an unread apology before being sentenced to five years in prison.

In his apology letter, Depa expressed exactly what the judge claimed he’d never shown: remorse.

Depa, an 18-year-old who suffers from autism, ADHD and mood disorder, was captured on surveillance video in February of 2023 beating teacher’s aide Joan Naydich, leaving her with five broken ribs, a severe concussion and hearing loss.

“Mr. Depa has never expressed not even a single bit of remorse before this court in any of our many court proceedings, not once with regard to remorse,” the judge said to Depa before his sentencing. In video obtained from CourtTV, Depa can be seen attempting to hold up his apology letter, but his request appears to be ignored.

Gene Lopes, Brendan Depa’s tutor, shared the letter with NewsNation’s Ashleigh Banfield.

“I would have Brendan in my house in a second,” Lopes said on “ Banfield .” “Everything I’ve done has been working. …He’s accepted this. He has been a blessing to me.”

Leanne Depa, Brendan Depa’s mother, told NewsNation she’s received written letters from a hospital and group home that are “willing to accept him,” as an alternative to serving time prison time.

“I really don’t think he understands what he’s facing,” Leanne Depa said exclusively on NewsNation’s “Banfield.”

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