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Judge Sentences Man to Eight Years for Racially Motivated Manslaughter

3/27/2026

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Summary

Story summary

A San Francisco judge sentenced Antoine Watson to eight years for the 2021 manslaughter of Vicha Ratanapakdee, with five years served and three suspended.
The attack was captured on security footage and sparked a movement against anti-Asian hate during the pandemic, with over 10,000 incidents reported.
The Ratanapakdee family believes the assault was racially motivated.
Hate crime charges were not pursued because proving such claims is difficult.

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Story summary

A San Francisco judge sentenced Antoine Watson to eight years for the 2021 manslaughter of Vicha Ratanapakdee, with five years served and three suspended.
The attack was captured on security footage and sparked a movement against anti-Asian hate during the pandemic, with over 10,000 incidents reported.
The Ratanapakdee family believes the assault was racially motivated.
Hate crime charges were not pursued because proving such claims is difficult.