Ex-NBA star Shawn Kemp pleads guilty in 2023 parking lot shooting

Shawn Kemp, a former NBA star, admitted to committing second-degree assault on Tuesday for firing a gun in a Tacoma mall parking lot in March 2023. According to The Seattle Times, Kemp, a six-time All-Star and three-time All-NBA selection, shot at two individuals in a Toyota 4Runner who had broken into his truck and stolen various items, including keys to his business, a cellphone, paperwork, and sports memorabilia like game-worn Gary Payton and Kemp jerseys that were part of a charity event. Kemp managed to locate the stolen phone, leading him to confront the thief who was driving the stolen 4Runner.

Most of the stolen items were discarded by the thief, except for the cellphone, which was taken as the thief thought it was a drug scale. Kemp tracked down the thief once more, only to find another individual in the 4Runner who started shooting at him. In self-defense, Kemp fired back but was unable to disable the vehicle as intended. Although both the 4Runner and another vehicle were damaged, no injuries were reported. The two men in the 4Runner, aged 39 and 35, have criminal records and are currently serving prison sentences.

Initially charged with first-degree assault, Kemp agreed to plead guilty to second-degree assault charges. As part of his plea agreement, he will be prohibited from possessing a firearm and required to provide a DNA sample for a law enforcement database. The typical sentence for second-degree assault ranges from three to nine months with a year of community custody. Prosecutors are pushing for the maximum sentence of nine months in jail, one year in community custody, and restitution. Kemp’s sentencing is scheduled for August 22, and his legal team plans for him to speak out against gun violence and be a positive role model for young people.