Miami-Dade police investigate after college music teacher attacked

Teachers wonder if possibly targeted attack was retaliation for bad grade

MIAMI – Miami-Dade police are investigating after a college music teacher was beaten in what appeared to have been a targeted attack.

Professor Marc Magellan teaches jazz and music theory at Miami Dade College's Kendall campus. Police said on April 15 he was walking through a campus parking garage when someone yelled out "Professor Marc" and then started pummeling him.

Magellan suffered bruises to his head and face, his nose was bleeding and his jaw was in pain, according to the report.

"I think it's kind of, like, creepy," said one student.

"I think it's sad that someone would go to that length to get at their professor. I've been here 13 years and nothing like that has ever happened before," said Jennifer Basile, a professor.

Some teachers told Local 10 they wondered if the attack was retaliation for a bad grade, but most said they couldn't imagine why someone would have attacked Magellan.

"Marc is doing better every day," said his mother, Marta Magellan. "He's back in the classroom, and I hope he's safe. I have no idea who would want to hurt him."

Juan Mendieta, a spokeswoman for the college, sent a statement reading in part:

"The battery appears to be a very isolated incident and possibly targeted...the Kendall Campus is normally a very safe campus. However, in an abundance of caution, the campus leadership has further heightened security."

In an email Magellan said, "I'm doing much better...a week of rest and healing has done well."

Investigators are looking for the person responsible for the attack. Anyone with information is asked to call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS.

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