Calls grow for accountability as Prosecutor Jonathan Schmidt accused of misconduct in Kevin Epps murder trial

December 12, 2025

Prosecutor Jonathan Schmidt is under fire for alleged misconduct during the murder trial of Kevin Epps, a 57-year-old filmmaker and journalist facing charges in San Francisco. Defense attorneys and civil rights advocates accuse Schmidt of withholding exculpatory evidence and misrepresenting the deceased victim, Marcus Deleon Polk, as non-aggressive despite records showing violent behavior, substance abuse issues, and parole violations. The defense filed a motion for mistrial based on these concerns, but the judge denied it.

Who is affected

Kevin Epps (57-year-old filmmaker and journalist standing trial for murder)
Marcus Deleon Polk (the deceased victim)
Black defendants in San Francisco's criminal justice system
The Justice4KevinEpps movement and community advocates
African American faith leaders and civil rights organizations
San Francisco District Attorney's Office

What action is being taken

Defense attorneys are objecting to Schmidt's conduct during trial proceedings
Community advocates and faith leaders are offering prayers and testimonials on courthouse steps
The Justice4KevinEpps movement and other groups are issuing statements condemning Schmidt's actions as prosecutorial misconduct
Advocates are demanding accountability and a reckoning regarding prosecutorial methods

Why it matters

This case matters because it highlights potential systemic issues with prosecutorial conduct in San Francisco, particularly affecting Black defendants. The allegations of withholding exonerating evidence and misrepresenting facts threaten the defendant's constitutional right to a fair trial. The situation raises broader concerns about prosecutorial accountability and whether there are patterns of misconduct that undermine justice in serious felony cases, potentially leading to wrongful convictions.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: San Francisco Bay View National Black Newspaper