A month ago, Shawn Kemp reappeared in the news, news item column. The former Sonics dunker was arrested on March 8 by police in Pierce County, Washington, following an exchange of gunfire in the parking lot of a shopping center.
According to relatives of the retiree, the latter had thus had his belongings stolen from his car, including his iPhone, the day before. It was by tracing the location of his phone that he was able to find the car of the thieves. Except that he was allegedly shot as he approached the vehicle, Shawn Kemp then responding with his gun.
However, no one was injured and Shawn Kemp had obviously waited for the police to arrive while the other vehicle fled.
The six-time All-Star (1993-1998) therefore hoped that the case would end there, but the local prosecutor’s office decided to prosecute him for “first degree assault”, which means that it retains premeditation for his gesture, an aggravating circumstance in view of a trial.
“Today Shawn Kemp learned that the Pierce County District Attorney’s Office has decided to charge him” reacted his lawyer for ESPN. “He will plead not guilty at his next arraignment at his next court appearance. He fully cooperated with the police and the prosecutor’s office throughout this process. He is thus convinced that once the jury has heard the witnesses and seen the evidence at trial, they will conclude that Shawm Kemp was justified in defending himself that afternoon. »
