Antoine Watson, the man whose unprovoked attack on 84-year-old Vicha Ratanapakdee became a global symbol of anti-Asian violence, has been cleared of murder. On Thursday, a San Francisco jury instead found Watson guilty of involuntary manslaughter and assault.
The mixed verdict means the 24-year-old avoids the life sentence associated with murder. Jurors also found him not guilty of elder abuse. Watson’s mother, who testified during the trial, was present for the decision but did not speak to reporters.
Family Expresses ‘Painful’ Disappointment
The victim’s daughter, Monthanus Ratanapakdee, has spent years seeking justice for her father, affectionately known to the community as “Grandpa Vicha.” Following the verdict, she spoke outside the courthouse through tears.
“Our family is grieving and even disappointed and painful,” she said. She noted that the jury never saw a photo of her father during the trial and that the prosecution could not present Watson’s juvenile record as evidence. Despite the outcome, she vowed to continue her work for public safety. “I’m going to commit to working for our community for dignity and for public safety in San Francisco.”
The trial centered on Watson’s state of mind during the January 2021 attack. Security footage showed Watson sprinting across a street and slamming into the elderly man at an estimated 12 mph. The force of the impact caused Ratanapakdee to strike the concrete, leading to his death.
While both sides agreed Watson killed Ratanapakdee, the defense argued the act was impulsive rather than premeditated. Watson testified that he was in a “haze of confusion and anger” and claimed he did not realize the victim was Asian or elderly.
Read more: Over 9000 racist anti-Asian attacks reported since the pandemic
Defense attorney Anita Nabha argued that the prosecution failed to prove malice, describing her client’s behavior before the attack as “erratic.” Public Defender Mano Raju added that Watson is “fully remorseful for his mistake.”
What Happens Next?
Legal analysts suggest the manslaughter conviction is a major victory for the defense. In California, involuntary manslaughter carries a maximum sentence of four years. Since Watson has already spent five years in custody while awaiting trial, he could be released very shortly.
The jury will return on January 26 to hear arguments on “aggravating factors” that could influence the final sentence. Once that process ends, the judge will officially set a sentencing date.
As the legal proceedings wind down, many in the Asian American community are left questioning the message the verdict sends. Legal analyst Steven Clark noted, “What is the community going to think about this verdict, when you see an attack on an elderly Asian man, and this is the outcome of that trial?”
