As jury selection is gearing up for the trial of ex-Seattle SuperSonics player Shawn Kemp, the 55-year-old has entered a guilty plea for second-degree assault charges related to a shooting incident at Tacoma Mall in 2023; this plea enables Kemp to avoid the full trial originally set to move forward this week. According to The Seattle Times, Kemp's charges include a drive-by shooting and two counts of first-degree assault, each with a firearm enhancement, after he was accused of firing at two men in a Toyota 4Runner over items he believed were stolen from his car.
Details provided by KING5 shed light on the confrontation, which occurred after Kemp claimed his cellphone was stolen and tracked it to the Tacoma Mall parking lot where an exchange of gunfire ensued between Kemp and the individuals in the SUV, Kemp firing in retaliation after a shot was allegedly fired from the SUV first, this set of actions spiraling into an event that has had legal repercussions lasting over two years.
The trial, which was highly anticipated in light of Kemp's basketball fame—spanning 14 seasons and including an NBA finals appearance and six all-star selections—will no longer unfold in court due to Kemp's admission of guilt. A statement gathered by KOMO News, comes from the Pierce County Prosecutors' office, where they declared Kemp initially pled not guilty to the assault charges in May 2023; however, witness video evidence did not corroborate Kemp's claim of acting in self-defense during the incident.
The guilty plea marks a development in the case involving Kemp. The situation has drawn public attention, highlighting issues that some athletes may encounter after their professional careers. Kemp, known for his role in Seattle sports, now faces legal consequences following his admission in court to the charges.
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