Shawn Kemp Cops Plea: NBA Legend Avoids Trial in Wild Tacoma Mall Shooting Case
Shawn Kemp in Pierce County Superior Court (Image via KOMO News).
Shawn Kemp, the former Seattle SuperSonics All-Star, pleaded guilty to second-degree assault in May 2025, ending a legal battle stemming from a 2023 shooting incident at Tacoma Mall.
The plea deal allowed Kemp to avoid a trial and potential harsher penalties related to the confrontation over his stolen cellphone.
The
Tacoma mall shooting
incident explained
On March 8, 2023, Shawn Kemp tracked his stolen cellphone to a Toyota 4Runner parked outside Tacoma Mall after his truck had been broken into days earlier. Court documents reveal Kemp approached the vehicle to recover his belongings, leading to an altercation with two men inside.
Former Sonics star Shawn Kemp's arrest at Tacoma Mall | Body Cam Footage
Kemp initially told authorities the men shot at him first, prompting him to return fire in self-defense.
However, surveillance footage contradicted parts of his account, showing Kemp firing his weapon immediately upon exiting his vehicle. Three bullets hit the 4Runner, but no injuries were reported. The suspects fled, and police arrested Kemp without resistance.
Shawn Kemp's Legal outcome and sentencing details
Prosecutors originally charged Shawn Kemp with first-degree assault with a firearm enhancement and drive-by shooting, charges that carried substantial prison time.
The plea agreement reduced the charge to second-degree assault, with a standard sentencing range of three to nine months based on Kemp's clean criminal record.
The maximum possible penalty remains ten years in prison and a $20,000 fine. Both the defense and prosecution can present sentencing recommendations before the judge's final decision on August 22, 2025.
Context surrounding the Shawn Kemp case
Kemp's legal team argued he acted in self-defense while trying to retrieve stolen property.
The two men involved were later incarcerated for unrelated crimes, though their criminal histories played no formal role in Kemp's case.
The former basketball star has remained active in Seattle's business community, operating two cannabis shops, since retiring from the NBA. The incident brought unexpected attention to Kemp years after his basketball career ended.
Looking ahead for the
NBA legend
The plea agreement closes a difficult chapter for the six-time All-Star, known for his electrifying dunks during the 1990s. While the legal process concludes this summer, the event serves as a reminder of the challenges public figures face long after leaving the spotlight. Kemp has expressed intentions to focus on positive contributions moving forward.
Also read:
Pacers Face Potential Game 4 Shake-Up With Concerning Last-Minute Aaron Nesmith Injury Update
Sentencing on August 22 will determine the final consequences of the 2023 incident that unexpectedly placed the former basketball star back in headlines.
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