Former NBA All-Star Shawn Kemp pleaded guilty to second-degree assault on MAY 27, 2025, in connection with a shooting incident outside the Tacoma Mall in Washington state. The incident occurred in March 2023 when Kemp confronted two men in a Toyota 4Runner after tracking his stolen phone to their vehicle. Kemp claimed that he was fired first and returned fire in self-defense. There was no injury report, but the 4Runner and another vehicle were damaged.
Initially, Kemp faced charges of first-degree assault and drive-by shooting. Later, he agreed to a plea deal that lowered the charges. Prosecutors asked for nine months in jail, one year of community supervision, and restitution. Under the agreement, Kemp must also give a DNA Sample and cannot own any firearms.
Behind The Incident, Shawn Kemp’s Plea Acceptance
According to court documents, someone broke into Kemp’s vehicle while at a concert on March 8, 2023. The thieves stole several items, including his iPhone. Kemp used a tracking app to find the phone in a Toyota 4Runner parked at Tacoma Mall. He approached the people in the vehicle, and a shooting followed. Surveillance video showed Kemp taking a gun from his backpack before the confrontation.
The two men in the 4Runner have extensive criminal records and are currently in prison for other crimes. As the witness had credibility issues and was illegally holding Kemp’s belongings, prosecutors decided to offer a plea deal.
Kemp, at 55, played 14 seasons in the NBA, primarily with the Seattle SuperSonics. He was famous for his high-flying dunks and athleticism. Since retiring, he has remained active in the Seattle Community and has advocated for the return of an NBA team to the city.
His plea deal closes a complex legal chapter stemming from a high-profile incident. While avoiding a lengthy sentence, he accepted accountability and agreed to court-imposed conditions. His sentencing on August 22, 2025, will determine the final outcome of the case.
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Also Read: BREAKING: Seattle Supersonics Legend Shawn Kemp Booked For Alleged Drive-By Shooting
