Opening statements began today in the long-delayed murder trial over the death of Vicha Ratanapakdee, the 84-year-old San Francisco man known affectionately as “Grandpa Vicha.” Surveillance footage of the January 2021 attack spread across the internet, and the case quickly became a rallying point for activists and families alarmed by violence against Asian Americans. After years of motions and continuances, this is the first time the case is being put in front of a jury in San Francisco.
Opening statements were set to begin Monday, according to NBC Bay Area, which noted that the trial has drawn national attention and will be closely watched by the Bay Area’s Asian American community. The outlet’s coverage includes a courthouse package from Ginger Conejero Saab and on-the-ground reporting from the start of the proceedings.
Surveillance video shows the defendant running toward Ratanapakdee and shoving him to the pavement in the Anza Vista neighborhood. The 84-year-old died two days later from head injuries. As reported by ABC7, the assault happened along Anza Vista and Fortuna avenues and was captured on a nearby security camera…