Home / Crime and Justice / Vicha Ratanapakdee Verdict: Involuntary Manslaughter Conviction
Vicha Ratanapakdee Verdict: Involuntary Manslaughter Conviction
17 Jan
Summary
- Antoine Watson found guilty of involuntary manslaughter in Vicha Ratanapakdee's death.
- Vicha Ratanapakdee died two days after an unprovoked attack during his morning walk.
- His death helped ignite a national movement against anti-Asian American violence.
Antoine Watson was recently found guilty of involuntary manslaughter in the January 2021 death of Vicha Ratanapakdee. The 84-year-old victim died after being knocked to the ground during an unprovoked attack while on his usual morning walk. This incident, captured on security footage, became a rallying cry for many.
Ratanapakdee's family believes he was targeted due to his race, although hate-crime charges were not pursued in the trial. Watson testified that he was confused and angry, not aware of Ratanapakdee's age or ethnicity. His defense extended sympathies to the victim's family, acknowledging the profound tragedy.
The 2021 killing of Vicha Ratanapakdee resonated nationwide, contributing to a significant movement against anti-Asian American hate. Commemorations occurred in multiple US cities, highlighting a broader rise in incidents against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders since late 2019, with thousands of such incidents reported.
