Crime & Safety
San Francisco Trial In 2021 Murder Of "Grandpa Vicha" Begins; Killing Sparked National Anti-Asian Hate Movement
The 84-year-old Thai immigrant, known among his family and community as "Grandpa Vicha," struck his head on a garage door and sidewalk.
December 10, 2025
A trial began on Monday for the man accused of the 2021 murder of Vicha Ratanapakdee, an elderly San Francisco man killed in an unprovoked attack that helped galvanize a national anti-Asian hate movement.
Find out what's happening in San Franciscofor free with the latest updates from Patch.
On January 28, 2021, Ratanapakdee was violently shoved to the ground while on a routine morning walk near his home in the city's Anza Vista neighborhood; the attack was captured in a surveillance video that went viral.
The 84-year-old Thai immigrant, known among his family and community as "Grandpa Vicha," struck his head on a garage door and sidewalk. He never regained consciousness and died two days later.
Find out what's happening in San Franciscofor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Vicha Ratanapakdee/Family photo/CBS
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