Authorities will keep the suspect in the killing of an 84-year-old San Francisco man in custody, footage of which was captured by a surveillance camera, after a Monday court hearing.
On Monday, the San Francisco District Attorney’s office said the court approved their detention motion to keep the suspect, 19-year-old Antoine Watson, without bail.
Held Without Bail
Police are accusing Watson of brutally attacking and killing the victim, Vicha Ratanapakdee, on January 28 in San Francisco’s Anza Vista neighborhood. The suspect has pleaded not guilty to charges of murder and elder abuse causing death.
Surveillance footage recorded Ratanapakdee walking in the driveway of a home when the attacker suddenly tackles the victim, knocking him down to the pavement before casually leaving in the same direction he came from. Police said Watson was immediately identified as the suspect seen in the video footage.
San Francisco police officers observed and contacted the suspect earlier that morning for traffic violations resulting in a minor collision. Authorities also issued Watson a citation, the San Francisco District Attorney’s office said. The video camera footage also helped police identify a female associate that Watson is believed to have been with during the attack.
Police arrested Watson and his female associate, 20-year-old Malaysia Goo, on January 30, CBS Local reported.
San Francisco City Mayor London Breed, assisted by Police Chief Bill Scott and District Attorney Chesa Boudin, said the violence within the city limits would be punished accordingly. They said that criminals would “be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law,” prioritizing those who target children or the elderly.
