All articles tagged with #vicha ratanapakdee
A San Francisco jury convicted 24-year-old Antoine Watson of involuntary manslaughter and assault in the January 2021 death of 84-year-old Vicha Ratanapakdee, rejecting murder charges. Sentencing will follow after aggravating factors are considered. The attack, captured on video, became a rallying symbol in the push against anti-Asian violence amid rising hate incidents during the pandemic.
A San Francisco jury found Antoine Watson not guilty of murder and elder abuse in the 2021 death of 84-year-old Thai grandfather Vicha Ratanapakdee, instead convicting him on lesser offenses such as involuntary manslaughter and assault. The attack, captured on video and widely shared, helped galvanize awareness of anti-Asian violence during the pandemic. Prosecutors argued malicious intent; Watson’s defense said the act was impulsive. Aggravating factors will be considered later, with potential for up to nine years in prison. Ratanapakdee’s family describes the killing as racially motivated, and his daughter plans to pursue accountability through a lawsuit while continuing advocacy for elder safety; SF tributes to his memory have appeared but one mural was recently removed.