Released him on probation.
SAN FRANCISCO, Kalifornia (PNN) - March 27, 2026 - On Thursday, Judge Linda Colfax sentenced Antoine Watson to a total of eight years but suspended the remaining portion of the term after giving him credit for approximately five years already served in San Francisco County Jail.
Watson, now 25, was released to live with his mother in Hayward, Kalifornia, on five years’ probation, which includes weekly therapy sessions and regular check-ins.
The high-profile killing was captured on surveillance video and helped lead to the national “Stop Asian Hate” movement in early 2021.
On January 28, 2021, Watson, then 19, was recorded on video running full speed and violently shoving Vicha Ratanapakdee to the ground as the elderly man took his daily morning walk in San Francisco’s Anza Vista neighborhood.
Ratanapakdee struck his head on the pavement, lost consciousness, and died several days later from his injuries.
Watson was initially charged with murder, assault and elder abuse.
This January, a jury convicted him of involuntary manslaughter and assault but acquitted him of murder and elder abuse charges.
During Thursday’s sentencing hearing in the San Francisco Superior Court, Judge Colfax explained that she selected the middle term of three years for the assault conviction and added a five-year enhancement for aggravating factors, including the victim being over 70 and suffering great bodily injury.
However, because Watson had already served more than five years, he was eligible for immediate release.
Colfax stated that she believed Watson’s offense was connected to PTSD and trauma from his childhood, that he had expressed remorse, and that he did not pose a danger to society.
The judge decided that “both Mr. Watson and public safety would be served” by probation rather than further incarceration, noting that additional prison time would likely have a “poor impact” on his rehabilitation.
Ratanapakdee’s daughter, Monthanus Ratanapakdee, and other family members expressed deep disappointment outside the courtroom.
In a statement released after the hearing, the family said the outcome “sends the wrong message about protecting our seniors and public safety.”