So a 17 year old Black teen, mentally disabled (Autism, ADHD, ODD, IED, MDD, PTSD and anxiety) and severely bullied by racists, is facing up to 30 years in prison for attacking a white teacher who stole his Nintendo (despite her being aware of EXTENSIVE rules in place telling her that doing so would cause a possibly violent meltdown)…
His name is Brendan Depa and his mom is on television literally begging the teacher not to press charges because they’re trying her son as an adult and he will most likely die in prison. His teacher is legit refusing claiming she’s “sparing anyone else her trauma”, the racist bitch. I can’t.
I want to also especially note that he’s being tried as an adult, despite being 17 at the time of attack, and they refused to acknowledge his disabilities during the charging, claiming they are not a defense. His mother had fought hard to not have him sent to a public school, but his behavioral group home didn’t give her a choice (which I already question how he was treated there). To the surprise of no one, the system has failed this boy, and instead of rightfully directing her anger towards that system, the teacher is placing it on him. Even if only the minimum sentence is given, he will still spend roughly 3 years in prison. That alone may be a death sentence for him. He needs proper support and treatment, not a prison sentence.