Former NBA All-Star Shawn Kemp has pleaded responsible to second-degree assault in reference to a March 2023 capturing incident on the Tacoma Mall in Washington. The plea deal, finalized on Could 27, 2025, permits Kemp to keep away from a doubtlessly prolonged trial and harsher penalties related to the unique fees.
Incident Overview
The incident occurred on March 8, 2023, when Kemp confronted people in a Toyota 4Runner within the Tacoma Mall parking zone. In accordance with courtroom paperwork, Kemp had tracked his stolen cellphone to the car after a break-in at his personal car, throughout which a number of gadgets had been stolen, together with enterprise keys, a cellphone, paperwork, and charity sports activities memorabilia.
Kemp claimed that upon confronting the occupants of the 4Runner, he was fired upon and returned fireplace in self-defense. No accidents had been reported, however two automobiles had been broken throughout the trade.
Authorized Proceedings and Plea Deal
Initially, Kemp confronted fees of first-degree assault with a firearm enhancement and drive-by capturing, which may have resulted in a jail sentence of as much as 15 years. Nevertheless, the plea settlement decreased the cost to second-degree assault. Prosecutors cited points with witness credibility and the illegal possession of Kemp’s belongings by the victims as components influencing the plea deal.
Below the phrases of the plea, Kemp shall be prohibited from proudly owning firearms and should present a DNA pattern for regulation enforcement databases. Sentencing is scheduled for August 22, 2025, with prosecutors recommending a nine-month jail time period, one yr of neighborhood custody, and restitution.
Kemp’s Background and Future
Shawn Kemp, 55, is greatest recognized for his tenure with the Seattle SuperSonics from 1989 to 1997, throughout which he was a six-time NBA All-Star. Since retiring from skilled basketball, Kemp has been concerned in varied enterprise ventures, together with proudly owning a hashish dispensary in Seattle. Following the plea deal, Kemp’s authorized staff emphasised his dedication to transferring ahead positively and selling consciousness about gun violence.
This case has drawn vital public consideration attributable to Kemp’s excessive profile and the dramatic nature of the incident. The decision marks the top of a tumultuous authorized chapter for the basketball star, who now appears forward to transferring previous the controversy.
Right here’s extra from KOMO Information.
