A judge in San Francisco judge attempted to justify releasing the convicted killer of “Grandpa Vicha” from prison because the experience would have a “poor impact” on the violent assailant as she revealed her decision to let him out on the streets. Judge Linda Colfax stated that Antonine Watson, 24, was scheduled to be released on probation for the 2021 murder of beloved Thai grandfather Vicha Ratanapakdee, 84, in an unprovoked attack.
The judge explained that the jury had already made the determination that Watson does not pose a danger to society and that he had expressed sorrow and remorse for the pain and suffering he caused both the victim and his family. Colfax then stated that probation would ultimately serve the convicted murderer better than incarceration.
“I think both Mr. Watson and public safety would be served were Mr. Watson on probation rather than parole,” Colfax went on to say, pointing out that imprisonment would more than likely have a “poor impact.” She added, “My goal is to do everything within my very limited powers to protect our community from any future violent acts by Mr. Watson.”
According to the technical aspects of the law, Colfax sentenced Watson to eight years in prison, of which he’s already served five. The judge said that the rest of the sentence would be suspended if he complies with the terms of his probation, according to the New York Post. In January 2021, Ratanapakdee was taking his usual daily stroll when Watson randomly attacked him, pushing him to the ground. The grandfather hit his head as he fell to the ground, never regaining consciousness.
After the sentencing, Vicha’s daughter, Monthanus Ratanapakdee, shared her thoughts about Judge Colfax’s decision. “Today’s sentence is deeply disappointing,” Ratanapakdee remarked. “An 84-year-old man was killed in a cruel, unprovoked attack, and our family will live with this loss every day. This is not about revenge. It is about accountability. When the consequences do not match the harm, it sends the wrong message about protecting our seniors and public safety.”
Ratanapakdee told the press she didn’t feel as if she received justice for the heinous crime against her father. “Our community is very heartbroken. My mom, 73 years old, feels uncomfortable even to walk out on the street right now,” she said. San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins weighed in on the decision, saying, “Justice was not served by this sentence.”
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Another report from the NY Post revealed that Judge Colfax has a history of being soft on crime. Colfax is a former public defender who has often bragged about her “inclusive” courtroom, which features a nameplate with her she/her pronouns. The judge once ordered the release of a Tesla driver who was charged in a multi-vehicle smash-up that killed 27-year-old Mikhael Romanenko.
“The judge was limited in some regard by the penal code that left his exposure at nine years, which is what we asked for,” Jenkins added concerning Watson’s case. “But seemed to rely on this theory that because of his age at the time of the crime, he did not deserve more custody. While I can appreciate consideration of someone’s age and their youth, he took a man’s life — he took an innocent man’s life.”
Featured Image: screenshot from embedded video