Former NBA forward Shawn Kemp has officially been charged with first-degree assault stemming from a shooting dating back to March of this year. Kemp was arrested after the shooting outside the Tacoma Mall on March 8th. This all stemmed from a cell phone that was stolen from the former NBA player according to the report. Before the shooting, he was attempting to get the stolen cell phone back. Kemp and his lawyers have maintained that he only shot back at the other people and was defending himself from them. This situation will continue to develop and play out in the court system.
Former Sonics star Shawn Kemp has been charged with assault in first degree stemming from March incident when Kemp allegedly fired a handgun in parking lot of a Tacoma shopping mall. His lawyer Scott Boatman tells ESPN that Kemp will enter plea of not guilty in upcoming…
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 14, 2023
In a written statement released by Shawn Kemp’s defense attorney Tim Leary, the following was said: “He is confident that once the jury hears from the witnesses and sees the evidence at trial, they will conclude that he was justified in defending himself that afternoon.” Kemp’s arraignment is set for May 4th at this time.
Shawn Kemp spent most of his career with the Seattle Supersonics but also played for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Portland Trail Blazers, and Orlando Magic. In his NBA career, Kemp was named to six All-Star teams and three All-NBA teams as well. This story will be updated here at Def Pen Sports when more is learned.
