Los Angeles, CA, Sep. 28 (UPI) -- There isn't sufficient evidence to file criminal charges against the son of pop singer Chaka Khan, Los Angeles officials told "Entertainment Tonight."

Damien Patrick Holland, 25, was taken into custody Friday for investigation of murder, shortly after an alleged struggle over a gun resulted in the shooting death of an 18-year-old man in a Los Angeles apartment, a representative of the district attorney's office told the syndicated TV news show.

Police said Holland and the other man were wrestling over a handgun when it discharged. The victim, whose name has not been released, died later at a hospital, the Los Angeles Daily News reported.

An employee of Chaka Khan Enterprises had no comment, but the entertainer's Web site describes Holland as a "student and aspiring record producer," the News reported.

Khan, born Yvette Marie Stephens in 1953, was lead singer in the band "Rufus" until she went off on her own in the late 1970s.

Copyright 2004 United Press International

An update from the WB: http://celebrityjustice.w...9/28b.html

Murder Charges Dropped

"Tell Me Something Good" Is one of Chaka Khan's greatest hits - and it was certainly something good that the eight-time Grammy winning artist heard on Tuesday, as authorities released her son who had been arrested for murder.

"CJ" broke the story of the arrest of 25-year-old Damien Holland, taken into custody this weekend. Police booked Holland on charges of First Degree murder. Police say Holland and the 17-year-old victim got into an argument and then struggled over a gun. The weapon, described as a high powered-rifle, went off, hitting the teen in the jaw. Police sources say an emotional Holland repeatedly told detectives it was an accident.

On Tuesday, the same day Holland was to be arraigned, the District Attorney's office decided there was not enough evidence to formally charge him, so Holland is a free man.

Khan had a string of hits, including the '80s classic "I Feel For You." Her unusual name combined with her strong vocals made her known to millions. However, this is certainly not the kind of publicity she would have wanted to put her back in the spotlight.

The D.A.'s office could still file charges later, but even cops are now privately conceding that the evidence against Holland is too thin for him to stand trial.