Former NBA star Shawn Kemp has pleaded guilty to second-degree assault in connection with a March 2023 shooting in a Washington state mall parking lot.
On Tuesday, Kemp entered the guilty plea agreement in Pierce County Superior Court, according to the county Prosecuting Attorney's Office. The 2023 incident involved Kemp firing at two men inside a Toyota 4Runner, though no one was injured. The shooting damaged the 4Runner and another nearby vehicle.
The guilty plea was part of a deal that reduced more serious charges for Kemp, including first-degree assault and drive-by shooting. Had he been convicted on those counts, he could have faced a lengthy prison term. Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Thomas Howe recommended a sentence of nine months in jail, one year of Department of Corrections supervision, and restitution. Kemp will be formally sentenced in August.
Kemp's attorney, Tim Leary, stated that the agreement acknowledges Kemp's responsibility while also recognizing the self-defense aspects of the case. Kemp is "committed to moving forward" from this case and understands his role and defense in the entire situation.
"Shawn is committed to moving forward in a positive direction," Leary told The Seattle Times. "He was presented with an offer from the state that allows him to take responsibility, but I think also recognizes the self-defense nature of how this transpired."
According to court documents, Kemp had tracked a stolen cellphone to the vehicle he shot at after his truck was broken into during a concert. Items taken from his car included keys to his cannabis business, paperwork, and sports memorabilia set for a charity auction.
Kemp reportedly confronted the men at the Tacoma Mall after they tossed some of the items but kept his phone. According to Kemp's legal team, someone in the vehicle fired at him, prompting him to return fire in an attempt to stop them.
Although police found an empty holster in the abandoned 4Runner days later, no gun was recovered. One witness claimed both sides exchanged gunfire, according to police records.
As part of his plea, Kemp must surrender any firearms and submit a DNA sample to a law enforcement DNA database. Kemp was a six-time NBA All-Star who played for the Seattle SuperSonics, Cleveland Cavaliers, Portland Trailblazers, and Orlando Magic during his 14-year NBA career.
