Shawn Kemp Avoids Jail Time for 2023 Shooting Incident

Former NBA All-Star Shawn Kemp has been sentenced to 30 days of house arrest for a March 2023 shooting outside Tacoma Mall, where he fired at two men he said had stolen his truck, phone, and sports memorabilia.

Under the ruling by Judge Michael Schwartz of Pierce County Superior Court, the 55-year-old will also serve one year of state supervision and complete 240 hours of community service.

Prosecutors had sought nine months in jail, but the judge said the circumstances did not warrant incarceration, noting that “property is replaceable, human life is not.”

Kemp, who pleaded guilty to second-degree assault in May as part of a plea deal, tracked his stolen phone to a Toyota 4Runner. Court documents say a passenger fired at him first, prompting Kemp to return fire in an attempt to disable the vehicle.

No one was injured, and the SUV was later found abandoned with an empty holster inside.

Visibly relieved at sentencing, Kemp crossed himself several times. Speaking afterward, he called the past three years “tough” and said he hopes to use the experience to advocate against gun violence, especially among young people.

His lawyer, Timothy Leary, said Kemp is remorseful and recognises he should have acted differently, adding that public shame has been a lasting punishment.