Ex-Sonics star Shawn Kemp pleads guilty to Tacoma Mall shooting

Former Seattle SuperSonics star Shawn Kemp has pleaded guilty to second-degree assault in a shooting outside the Tacoma Mall in 2023, according to the Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.

The 55-year-old basketball star faced initial charges of first-degree assault with a firearm. However, prosecutors later added a second count of first-degree assault and a charge of drive-by shooting. Had Kemp been convicted on the original charges, he faced the possibility of a lengthy prison sentence.

In 2023, Kemp was accused of shooting at two people in the Tacoma Mall parking lot. He said they broke into his car and stole several items. When police arrived, Kemp told them he fired his weapon in self-defense.

Shawn Kemp pleads guilty to assault charges

Although both the 4Runner and another nearby vehicle were shot, no people were physically harmed. The two men inside the vehicle, aged 35 and 39, both have extensive criminal records and are currently incarcerated on unrelated charges.

Court documents reveal that Kemp claimed he retreated to his car and fired two shots in response. However, police later reviewed video footage showing that Kemp began shooting immediately after leaving his vehicle.

During the shooting, a bullet struck the car of a JCPenney employee named Cheri Mahoe. She recalled being escorted to the store’s third floor with other employees and customers for safety due to the situation outside. The bullet damaged the top layer of her car’s roof but did not penetrate inside.

The standard sentencing range for second-degree assault is three to nine months. However, the maximum sentence for this charge can be up to 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine. Kemp’s sentencing is set for August 22.

Contributing author: Frank Sumrall