Shawn Kemp Faces Legal Trouble After Shooting Incident
Former NBA star Shawn Kemp, a key player for the Seattle Supersonics during their successful run in the 1990s, is now facing legal consequences following a shooting incident in a parking lot in Tacoma, Washington.
Kemp, known for his explosive athleticism on the court, has pleaded guilty to second-degree assault with a firearm.
According to reports from the Seattle Times, the 55-year-old former player admitted his guilt on Tuesday related to an incident that occurred in March 2023 in a Tacoma shopping center.
Kemp, a six-time All-Star and three-time member of the NBA’s All-Defensive Team, fired shots at two men in a Toyota 4Runner after they allegedly broke into his van and stole valuable items.
Among the stolen items were the keys to his business, a mobile phone, important documents, and collectibles including jerseys of himself and Gary Payton from a charity auction.
Using the tracking feature on his mobile phone, Kemp was able to locate the thief, who was driving another stolen vehicle. Although the suspect discarded most of the stolen items, he kept the phone, mistaking it for a drug scale.
Upon locating the vehicle again, Kemp was surprised to find a second man inside the 4Runner, who began shooting at him. “Mr. Kemp returned fire in an attempt to disable the Toyota,” the defense document stated. “He was unsuccessful.”
The incident resulted in damage to the Toyota and another vehicle, but fortunately, no injuries were reported. The two men involved, aged 39 and 35, have extensive criminal records and are currently serving prison sentences.
Initially, Kemp faced charges for first-degree assault with a firearm enhancement. However, prosecutors reassessed the charges last week, adding a second count of first-degree assault along with charges for shooting from a moving vehicle.
“Shawn is determined to move forward positively,” stated his attorney, Tim Leary. “He accepted a plea deal from the State that allows him to take responsibility, but I believe he also recognizes the element of self-defense present in this incident.”
As part of his sentencing, Kemp will no longer be allowed to possess a firearm and is required to provide a biological sample for inclusion in the police DNA database.
The penalty for second-degree assault typically ranges from three to nine months in prison, with an additional year of community supervision.
The prosecution is requesting the maximum possible sentence: nine months of incarceration, one year of community supervision under official oversight, and restitution.
A decision from the court is expected on August 22.
“Kemp’s plan is to engage with the community to discuss the dangers of gun violence, aiming to become a positive influence on the youth,” emphasized his lawyer, Aaron Kiviat.
Shawn Kemp enjoyed a successful career spanning 14 seasons in the NBA, with eight of those years spent with the Seattle Supersonics.
