Former NBA star Shawn Kemp has pleaded guilty to second-degree assault in connection with a March 2023 shooting incident outside Tacoma Mall in Washington. The plea deal, accepted in Pierce County Superior Court, allows Kemp to avoid a trial and potentially harsher penalties.
Incident Overview
On March 8, 2023, Kemp’s vehicle was broken into while he attended a concert in Seattle. Among the stolen items were a cellphone, business keys, documents, and sports memorabilia intended for charity auctions.
Using a phone-tracking application, Kemp located his stolen phone near Tacoma Mall. Upon arriving, he identified a Toyota 4Runner he believed contained his stolen property. Kemp approached the vehicle, and during the confrontation, he fired his firearm at the occupants. Surveillance footage showed Kemp initiating gunfire as he exited his vehicle.
No injuries were reported, but the gunfire damaged both the 4Runner and another nearby vehicle. The individuals in the 4Runner were later incarcerated on unrelated charges.
Legal Proceedings and Plea Agreement
Initially charged with first-degree assault and drive-by shooting, Kemp’s charges were reduced as part of a plea agreement acknowledging the self-defense elements of the case. Prosecutors recommended a sentence of nine months in jail, one year of community custody, and restitution to the victims. Kemp is also required to forfeit firearm ownership rights and provide a DNA sample for law enforcement databases.
Sentencing is scheduled for August 22, 2025.
Background on Shawn Kemp
Shawn Kemp, 55, is best known for his tenure with the Seattle SuperSonics, where he played from 1989 to 1997. A six-time NBA All-Star, Kemp averaged 14.6 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game over his 14-year career. He also played for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Portland Trail Blazers, and Orlando Magic.
Since retiring, Kemp has been involved in various business ventures, including the cannabis industry, where he owns a stake in two dispensaries. Despite financial and legal challenges, Kemp remains a prominent figure in the basketball community.
Conclusion
Shawn Kemp’s guilty plea brings closure to a high-profile case that garnered significant public attention. As he awaits sentencing, Kemp has expressed a commitment to moving forward positively and using his experiences to promote awareness about gun violence and its consequences.
