San Francisco filmmaker Kevin Epps found not guilty of 2016 shooting, murder of Marcus Polk
For nearly a decade, San Francisco filmmaker and community advocate Kevin Epps has lived in legal limbo, waiting for a courtroom to decide his fate in a case that has fueled debate over self-defense claims and the criminal justice system.
A jury on Monday found Epps not guilty of murder in the 2016 shooting of Marcus Polk at Epps' Bernal Heights home. The verdict brought emotional moments from Epps, his family, and supporters who have followed the case for years.
"This has been a heavy, heavy burden on all of us for so long," Epps said through tears outside the courtroom. He added that he felt some relief, but was lost for words.
Epps has long maintained he fired in self-defense, telling investigators Polk forced his way into the home. Polk, who died at the scene, was a registered sex offender with a lengthy criminal history that included domestic violence, robbery and drug-related offenses.
Although Epps was initially released after the shooting, prosecutors filed charges in 2019, a decision his supporters have repeatedly questioned.
Epps' attorney, Julian Davis, said the jury reached the right conclusion on the murder charge.
"We're grateful and happy that the jury had the common sense to find Mr. Epps not guilty on any murder charge," Davis said. "We're going to stand up for his constitutional right to a fair trial, which this prosecutor unfortunately violated multiple times during these proceedings."
After the verdict, Epps embraced his children and his mother, who have stood by him throughout the nine-year legal fight. Family, friends and community members also gathered at the courthouse to show support.
"It means that we saw some semblance of justice here in San Francisco," said Malik Washington, a friend of Epps.
"The community rallied behind Kevin Epps because he is a man of character," said another supporter, Rebecca Gallegos.
While Epps was cleared of murder, the jury did convict him of voluntary manslaughter, a charge his legal team says they plan to challenge.
"There are very strong grounds for appeal," said Davis.
