A San Francisco judge said that throwing the killer of “Grandpa Vicha” in jail would have a “poor impact” on the violent attacker as she revealed her decision to let him walk free.
Judge Linda Colfax explained her ruling as Antonine Watson, 24, was set to be released on probation for the 2021 killing, during which he fatally shoved beloved Thai grandfather Vicha Ratanapakdee, 84, in an unprovoked attack.
The judge pointed out that a jury had already determined Watson was not a danger to society and that he had expressed sorrow for the pain he caused, saying probation would serve him better than incarceration, the San Francisco Chronicle reported.
The judge said imprisonment would have a “poor impact” on Watson. Fox“I think both Mr. Watson and public safety would be served were Mr. Watson on probation rather than parole,” Colfax said, noting that imprisonment would likely have a “poor impact.”
“My goal is to do everything within my very limited powers to protect our community from any future violent acts by Mr. Watson,” she added.
Colfax technically sentenced Watson to eight years behind bars, about five of which he’s already served, and the judge said that the rest of the term would be suspended if he adhered to the terms of his probation.
In January 2021, Ratanapakdee was out on his daily walk when Watson pushed him to the ground and he struck his head, never to regain consciousness. The attacked sparked the nationwide “Stop Asian Hate” movement.
The family and community expressed outrage after the sentencing. AP
In January, Watson skated on charges of murder and elder abuse.
Watson skated on charges of murder and elder abuse, and was found guilty only of involuntary manslaughter for the incident.
After the sentencing, Vicha’s daughter, Monthanus Ratanapakdee reacted to Colfax’s decision.
“Today’s sentence is deeply disappointing,” Ratanapakdee said. “An 84-year-old man was killed in a cruel, unprovoked attack, and our family will live with this loss every day. This is not about revenge. It is about accountability. When the consequences do not match the harm, it sends the wrong message about protecting our seniors and public safety.”
The 84-year-old Thai grandfather was killed in an unprovoked attack in 2021. Vicha Ratanapakdee FamilySpeaking to members of the press after the hearing, Ratanapakdee said she didn’t get justice for her father.
“Our community is very heartbroken. My mom, 73 years old, feels uncomfortable even to walk out on the street right now,” she told Mission Local.
The daughter the community is heartbroken. AP
His death sparked the nationwide “Stop Asian Hate” movement. APSan Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins also told Mission Local that she was frustrated with the outcome.
“Justice was not served by this sentence.”
Prosecutor Sean Connolly told the court before Colfax’s decision that, “The thing that would benefit him the most is being held responsible and taking accountability for his actions, as until now, he’s never had to do that.”
Watson was just 19 years old when he attacked and killed Ratanapakdee. At his trial, the killer said he didn’t know why he assaulted the elderly man.
“In the moment, I wasn’t thinking,” Watson said, according to the Chronicle. “Looking back at it, I think I did push him hard.”
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