Judge’s outrageous reason for letting ‘Grandpa Vicha’ killer walk free

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 remorse,” saying he would be better rehabilitated through probation and therapy sessions, the San Francisco Chronicle reported.

“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.

Watson skated on charges of murder and elder abuse, and was found guilty only of involuntary manslaughter for the incident.

Colfax said the parole system was “stretched thin” and prison time would give the court less supervision over Watson than probation. She said the alternative would have been Watson serving about two years in state prison before being released on parole. 

After the sentencing, ​​Vicha’s daughter, Monthanus Ratanapakdee, and community members expressed outrage over the 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.”

Speaking 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 San Francisco District Attorney’s office and the family had asked for Watson to be sentenced to the maximum of nine years in state prison.

“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,” prosecutor Sean Connolly told the court before Colfax’s decision.

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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