The Facts

Vicha Ratanapakdee’s killer was acquitted of murder and elder abuse, and convicted instead of involuntary manslaughter and assault for the Jan. 28, 2021 attack that killed the 84-year-old Thai grandfather while he was walking in Anza Vista.

Watson faces sentencing next; under California’s manslaughter penalty statute, involuntary manslaughter carries a 2–4 year term.

The Context

Ratanapakdee’s death—captured on video—became a national symbol as Asian American communities demanded safer streets for elders. A year later, Stop AAPI Hate reported 10,370 hate incidents from March 2020 to Sept. 2021.

San Francisco has since honored him locally, including unveiling “Vicha Ratanapakdee Way” in the neighborhood.

Prosecutors did not bring hate-crime charges, and the trial did not present evidence proving racial motivation.

The GrowSF Take

This is a miscarriage of justice. Anyone who's seen the video can see the intent in Antoine's full-speed run at Grandpa Vicha as he viciously shoves the 84-year-old man to the ground, killing him. There was nothing "involuntary" about this.