Watson was convicted by a jury in January of killing 84-year-old Vicha Ratanapakdee, often called by his nickname, in 2021.
A judge in San Francisco on Thursday sentenced the man convicted of involuntary manslaughter in the death of "Grandpa Vicha" to three years in state prison, an additional five years probation with credit for time served.
That means that Antoine Watson may leave custody later on Thursday. He has already served about five years in prison, mostly in isolation, according to his attorney. San Francisco Superior Court Judge Linda Colfax also said that Watson must adhere to many probation conditions, which include living with his mother in Hayward. Watson was convicted by a jury in January of killing 84-year-old Vicha Ratanapakdee, often called by his nickname, in 2021.Ratanapakdee's family was upset. "Today’s sentence is deeply disappointing," Ratanapakdee's daughter, Monthanus Ratanapakee, said in a statement. "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 consequences do not match the harm, it sends the wrong message about protecting our seniors and public safety. We are concerned about what this means for other families."The attack, captured on a neighbor’s security camera, shows Ratanapakdee being violently shoved to the ground.During the trial, Watson's attorneys argued that the then-19-year-old defendant was experiencing extreme emotional distress following a family argument and a car crash. They contended Watson "snapped" when his car would not start that January morning.However, during the trial, prosecutors described Watson’s actions as reckless and deliberate.During their closing argument, they said Watson was "angry that his car wouldn't start, and he spotted a target for his anger."
Ca San Francisco News Crime Publicsafety
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Man dies after falling from sidewalk, making contact with San Francisco Muni busA man died Tuesday morning after falling from a sidewalk and making contact with a Muni bus, according to the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency.
Read more »
Suspect in San Francisco assault that injured 2 people turns himself in, police sayA man suspected in an attack that injured two people in San Francisco last month has turned himself in to authorities, police said Tuesday.
Read more »
Barricaded suspect in standoff with police in San Francisco's Tenderloin neighborhoodA person was barricaded inside a residence in San Francisco's Tenderloin neighborhood on Tuesday afternoon in a standoff with officers, police said.
Read more »
San Francisco home sells for an astounding $2 million over the asking priceIt’s even staggering by Bay Area standards, where homes commonly go for over the asking price. In San Francisco last week, a home in the city’s Inner Richmond neighborhood sold for $2 million over the listing price, to close at $4.95 million.
Read more »
Critics say San Francisco police may have improperly assisted ICE during SFO detainmentAn attorney who helped write San Francisco's sanctuary policies and state laws limiting local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement says she believes the video shows officers actively helping ICE.
Read more »
Man convicted of manslaughter in SF 'Grandpa Vicha' case gets probation after sentence suspendedAntoine Watson, the man guilty of involuntary manslaughter in the 2021 San Francisco death of 84-year-old Vicha Ratanapakdee, will go straight to probation without additional jail time, a judge ordered Thursday.
Read more »