Judge’s outrageous reason for letting ‘Grandpa Vicha’ killer walk free
By Katie Jerkovich
Published March 27, 2026, 2:35 p.m. ET
30 Comments
Man acquitted of murder in 2021 San Francisco ‘Grandpa Vicha’ murder case
A San Francisco judge said that throwing the killer of “Grandpa Vicha” in jail would have a “poor impact” on the violent attacker as she revealed her decision to let him walk free.
Judge Linda Colfax explained her ruling as Antonine Watson, 24, was set to be released on probation for the 2021 killing, during which he fatally shoved beloved Thai grandfather Vicha Ratanapakdee, 84, in an unprovoked attack.
The judge pointed out that a jury had already determined Watson was not a danger to society and that he had expressed sorrow for the pain he caused, saying probation would serve him better than incarceration, the San Francisco Chronicle reported.
The judge said imprisonment would have a “poor impact” on Watson.
“I think both Mr. Watson and public safety would be served were Mr. Watson on probation rather than parole,” Colfax said, noting that imprisonment would likely have a “poor impact.”
“My goal is to do everything within my very limited powers to protect our community from any future violent acts by Mr. Watson,” she added.
https://nypost.com/2026/03/27/us-news/judges-outrageous-reason-for-letting-grandpa-vicha-killer-walk-free/
