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San Francisco Filmmaker Kevin Epps Speaks After His Release From Jail

Rachael Myrow
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San Francisco filmmaker Kevin Epps (l) with his attorney, Mark Webb (r). The district attorney’s office says “There is insufficient evidence to charge the case at this time.” (Photo: Rachael Myrow/KQED)

San Francisco filmmaker Kevin Epps had a bewildered air about him while he sat at a local Peet’s Coffee shop with his attorney, Mark Webb, on Wednesday afternoon, following his release from jail the night before.

“I’m going through a myriad of different emotions,” Epps said.

Police arrested Epps Monday, following a fatal shooting in his Glen Park home. The district attorney’s office released him Tuesday, determining “insufficient evidence to charge Kevin Epps at this time,” though the investigation continues.

“I’m really humble. Blessings to God, blessings to be here after going through this traumatic experience. Thank you, San Francisco,” he said, choking up.

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Webb says he spoke with the prosecutor, who seemed inclined to see the incident Monday as a case of self-defense. That’s not a characterization released by the district attorney’s office as of yet, but the Medical Examiner’s office has confirmed the man killed was Marcus Polk, Sr., and family members have told various Bay Area news organizations Polk, Sr. was not welcome in the home.

Epps has made a series of well-regarded documentaries about the African-American experience in the Bay Area, including the 2003 film Straight Outta Hunters Point.

“The body of work that Kevin has created and accomplished as a filmmaker is known to you and known to the city,” Webb says. He adds that reputation counts for something with the district attorney. “He weighed everything in terms of who Kevin is and what happened inside that house.”

Epps says he looks forward to continue making films, and to be a “voice for the voiceless.”

Listen to more of the conversation here:

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