Filmmaker Kevin Epps Released After DA Declines To Press Charges In Fatal Shooting

Filmmaker Kevin Epps Released After DA Declines To Press Charges In Fatal ShootingInstagram: Kevin Epps
Walter Thompson
Published on October 26, 2016

Filmmaker Kevin Epps, 48, was released from county jail yesterday after being arrested Monday for homicide and being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to SFGate, the District Attorney's office lacked sufficient evidence for keeping Epps in custody after the fatal shooting of Marcus Polk, Sr., 46.

Polk died at Epps' home on the 100 block of Addison Street on Monday afternoon. Paramedics were called to the residence, but Polk was pronounced dead at the scene. Epps was taken into custody and was held in county jail until his release.

"It is not uncommon for the DA's Office to request additional investigation on a case," said Sgt. Michael Andraychak in a press statement. "SFPD investigators work closely with the DA's Office, and the SFPD Homicide Detail will be continuing the investigation into this matter."

Hoodline wasn't able to determine why Epps was charged with felony possession of a weapon. We've reached out to him for comment via phone and email, but have not received a response.

Epps is a documentary filmmaker whose work examines different aspects of life in Hunters Point, where he grew up, as well as African-American life and history in San Francisco as a whole. He produced Straight Outta Hunters Point, in 2003, followed up by a 2014 sequel, as well as 2006's Rap Dreams and 2009's The Black Rock.

In a video posted to Epps' Instagram account, which appears to depict his release from jail, he's shown leaving a building at night, saying, "This is good to be out, youngblood. This is a blessing, man." 

After the person filming congratulates Epps, he says, "You got to stand for something real, you don't have to worry ... you ain't got to worry about all that other shit."

"I don't want to have to see you bust a nigga's head again," says the camera operator.

"I hope it don't have to happen like that," Epps replies.