Grant Clemency to Kevin Epps

We, the undersigned, respectfully urge Governor Gavin Newsom to grant clemency and commute the sentence of Kevin Epps, so that he can return to his family, his children, and the San Francisco community he has devoted his life to serving.

Kevin is an award-winning filmmaker, journalist, and Executive Editor of the San Francisco Bay View National Black Newspaper. For decades, he has been a community advocate, mentor, and father who has consistently used his talents to uplift marginalized voices, document injustice, and strengthen civic life in San Francisco and beyond. He is a man of faith, a devoted father of three, and an irreplaceable presence in the life of his community.

We believe his trial was deeply unfair. Consistent with California’s Castle Doctrine, which presumes a resident’s reasonable fear of imminent peril when confronting an intruder who has forcibly entered their home, law enforcement initially declined to file charges in 2016. Three years later, the District Attorney’s office charged the case based on a computer-generated 3D animation purporting to recreate the shooting that was subsequently excluded after being challenged. The trial was marred by exclusion of key defense evidence, improper jury instructions, and prosecutorial misconduct. 

The jury agreed he did not act with malice, acquitting him of murder, but they convicted him of voluntary manslaughter. We believe this was not a just outcome. Kevin has throughout maintained that he acted in self-defense and in defense of his family, in his own home. For seven years while awaiting trial, Kevin was released on bail. He never once violated a condition. He showed up to every court date. He continued to parent his children, serve his community, lead mutual aid efforts during COVID, and help rebuild a historic community newspaper. His record speaks for itself. He is not a danger — he uplifts others and saves lives. 

Hundreds of community members — including former State Senators, NAACP leaders, SFPD captains, pastors, former Supervisors, and educators — pleaded with the court to keep Kevin home. Those voices now turn to you. Kevin’s children need their father. His community needs his voice. Incarcerating him serves no legitimate interest of justice or public safety.