Court Releases Watson on Probation for San Francisco Thai Manslaughter Case

A U.S. court has released Antoine Watson on probation after he served five years for the 2021 death of Vicha Ratanaphakdee, an 84-year-old Thai man in San Francisco. Watson, originally sentenced to eight years, had three years of his sentence suspended. He must undergo PTSD treatment, seek employment, and pay $19,000 in compensation to Vicha’s family.

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In January 2021, Vicha, described as having poor eyesight, was attacked while walking near his San Francisco home. CCTV captured Watson, then 19, striking Vicha, who later died from his injuries. Watson was identified from footage and arrested with his then-girlfriend, Maylasia Goo, who was later released after denying involvement.

Photo via X/ @DionLimTV

Vicha’s family suggested racial motivations amid the Covid-19 pandemic, suspecting anti-Asian sentiment. Watson denied racism as a motive, citing stress and mental health issues instead. He had been arrested hours prior for a traffic violation and claimed he did not recognize Vicha’s ethnicity.

The court determined the act as unintentional murder, acknowledging Watson's mental health struggles from childhood abuse. Now 25, he resides with his mother in Hayward, CA. The decision has sparked debate over the adequacy of the punishment compared to the impact on Vicha’s family.

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now · The Thaiger · 30 Mar 2026