Antoine Watson, now 24, testified in a San Francisco court this week about the 2021 fatal shove of 84-year-old Vicha Ratanapakdee, known as “Grandpa Vicha,” in the Anza Vista neighborhood. He described feeling judged by Ratanapakdee after his car broke down, leading him to charge and push the elderly man without thinking clearly. The incident, captured on video, sparked widespread protests against anti-Asian hate during the COVID-19 era.​
Case Background
Watson was 19 at the time, driving recklessly earlier that morning before the attack; his girlfriend was present but did not intervene. Surveillance showed him approaching Ratanapakdee unprovoked, shoving him to the ground, photographing the victim afterward, then fleeing without calling 911. Ratanapakdee died two days later from a skull fracture and brain hemorrhage.​
Trial Testimony
During cross-examination, prosecutor Sean Connelly pressed Watson, who agreed he killed Ratanapakdee and that the victim did nothing to deserve it. Watson claimed no memory of eye contact or whether Ratanapakdee sought help, admitting panic prevented him from aiding the bleeding man. He testified he noticed the victim’s age only after kneeling briefly by him.​
Family Response
Ratanapakdee’s daughter, Monthanus, called the testimony painful, noting Watson’s failure to help despite seeing her father’s severe injuries. She expressed belief in his lack of remorse and intent to assault. The trial, delayed over four years, continued Thursday amid charges of murder, elder abuse, and assault with a deadly weapon.​
