Shawn Kemp, former NBA All-Star, has entered a guilty plea in connection to a shooting incident that occurred in a Washington state mall parking lot last year. Kemp, known for his electrifying play with the Seattle SuperSonics, faced multiple felony charges stemming from the March 2023 event.
Court records confirm that Kemp pleaded guilty to second-degree assault in Pierce County Superior Court. Originally, he was charged with first-degree assault with a firearm enhancement, charges that were later amended to include a second count of first-degree assault and drive-by shooting. A conviction on the original charges could have resulted in a significant prison term.
Prosecutors are recommending a sentence of nine months in jail, one year of community service, and restitution. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for August 22, allowing both the prosecution and defense to argue for their preferred outcomes. According to the Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney's Office, the standard sentencing range for this type of offense, considering Kemp's lack of prior criminal history, is three to nine months. The plea agreement is considered "open," meaning both sides retain the ability to advocate for their preferred sentence. The guilty plea constitutes a felony conviction and a strike offense.
Kemp's attorney, Tim Leary, emphasized his client's commitment to moving forward positively. He stated that the plea agreement allows Kemp to take responsibility while acknowledging what he described as the self-defense nature of the incident.
The incident unfolded after Kemp reported a break-in of his vehicle, during which his phone and basketball memorabilia were stolen. Kemp tracked his phone, initially to a Toyota 4Runner. After an initial confrontation, he later located the same vehicle at the Tacoma Mall.
According to court documents, an occupant of the 4Runner fired a gun at Kemp, who then returned fire. While the occupants of the vehicle were unharmed, the 4Runner sustained damage. Kemp was arrested in connection with the shooting and subsequently released. The two men who were in the 4Runner are currently incarcerated on unrelated charges.
Kemp was a first-round draft pick in 1989 and rose to stardom with the Seattle SuperSonics, where he played alongside Gary Payton for eight seasons. Throughout his 14-year NBA career, he also played for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Portland Trail Blazers, and Orlando Magic.