A Florida student who went viral for beating his teacher unconscious last year has been sentenced to five years in state prison. During the trial, it was revealed that Depa has autism spectrum disorder.
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Brendan Depa, a 6 feet, 6-inch, 270-pound teen, beat his teacher Joan Naydich for taking his Nintendo.
Depa, who has been clinically diagnosed with autism, was facing a 30-year prison sentence. However, after hearing testimonies from various witnesses and the victim, the judge decided to not impose the full sentence. Despite Naydich’s push for the maximum penalty, Depa’s adoptive mother’s testimony ultimately swayed the decision in her son’s favor.
Depa’s lawyers said that the special needs program should have known that taking electronics from Depa was a ‘trigger.’
His mom said the school district failed Brendan Depa and that his behavioral plan was not followed.
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Circuit Judge Terence Perkins sentenced Brendan Depa to five years in state prison followed by 15 years of probation.
