Former NBA Star Shawn Kemp Faces First-Degree Assault Charges in Mall Shooting
Former Seattle SuperSonics star, Shawn Kemp, is set to be arraigned on May 4, after being charged with first-degree assault on Friday. The charges stem from a shooting incident that occurred in March at a mall parking lot in Tacoma, Washington.
According to Kemp’s defense attorneys, the former NBA player plans to plead not guilty. Kemp was briefly held in jail following his arrest on March 8, after which he was released the following day. Attorney Scott Boatman, who is representing Kemp, said he expected his client would be exonerated of all charges.
Kemp’s Allegation of Self-Defense
The altercation in question was initially reported as a drive-by shooting, but Kemp’s defense attorneys argue that their client was shot at first and only returned fire in self-defense. Kemp had his cellphone and other items stolen from his vehicle in March and was able to track the phone to a vehicle in the mall parking lot.
Prosecutors in Washington state, however, believe they have new evidence that suggests Kemp had the intention to shoot the person who allegedly stole his phone. According to police, some of Kemp’s claims were not corroborated by the mall’s surveillance video footage, and he appeared to fire into an occupied vehicle first. Furthermore, they also claim that Kemp sent a text message just 13 minutes before reaching the mall, which revealed his intent to do harm.
Kemp Maintains Innocence
Despite these allegations, Kemp’s defense team maintains his innocence, stating that he has been fully cooperative with the police and the prosecutor’s office throughout the process. Boatman said in a statement to ESPN on Friday that he is confident that once the jury hears from the witnesses and sees the evidence at trial, they will conclude that Kemp was justified in defending himself that afternoon.
Shawn Kemp’s first-degree assault charges come as a shock to many, especially given his status as a former NBA star. The incident has gained significant attention, and Kemp’s trial will be closely watched by both his fans and detractors. Until then, it remains to be seen whether Kemp’s claims of self-defense hold up in court.
