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Shawn Kemp’s Legal Battle: Lawsuit Filed After Alleged Role in Mall Shooting

As Shawn Kemp prepares to defend himself in court, the outcome of this case will likely have lasting repercussions for all parties involved

Whether viewed through the lens of legal liability, public perception, or personal accountability, the incident serves as a stark reminder of how quickly a situation can escalate with life-altering consequences.

As Kemp and his partners work to recover from the burglary, they will undoubtedly face many challenges in the months ahead.

However, their resilience and determination to continue building a successful business in Seattle are undeniable.

For Kemp, this is just another chapter in his storied relationship with the city—a city that has supported him through thick and thin.

In the end, the robbery at Kemp’s Cannabis serves as a reminder of the risks that come with operating a cash-heavy business in an industry that continues to navigate the complexities of legal status and regulation.

But for Shawn Kemp, the setback is just another obstacle to overcome as he continues to contribute to the community he has always loved.

Despite the financial and emotional toll of the burglary, Kemp’s commitment to Seattle remains unshaken. His journey from NBA superstar to cannabis entrepreneur may have faced an unexpected detour, but it is clear that Shawn Kemp is far from giving up on the city or his business.

Shawn Kemp
Shawn Kemp (Image: Source)

Also Read: Shawn Kemp (Former NBA Star) Arrested! Legal Issues, Retirement, Career, Net Worth (2023) And More

Shawn Kemp: Alleged Involvement in 2023 Tacoma Mall Shooting

The Incident: What Happened at Tacoma Mall?

In March 2023, former NBA star Shawn Kemp found himself at the center of a legal and criminal controversy following an alleged shooting incident in the parking lot of Tacoma Mall, Washington.1

According to court documents, Kemp, who made his name as a standout player for the Seattle SuperSonics, allegedly fired shots at a Toyota 4Runner occupied by Dajuan Jackson and his friend.

This incident has now spiraled into a lawsuit, with Jackson seeking damages for emotional distress and other related claims.

The Allegations: A Closer Look

  • Dajuan Jackson, the plaintiff in the lawsuit, claims that Kemp approached their vehicle without any warning and began firing a .357-caliber revolver.
  • The lawsuit also names Kemp’s ex-wife, Marvena Thomas, as a defendant, although her specific involvement remains unclear.
  • Jackson alleges that Kemp fired at their vehicle multiple times, both before and after retrieving items from his car’s trunk.
  • The situation escalated quickly, leading to Kemp’s arrest by Tacoma Police, though he was released the following day due to his lack of a prior criminal record.
  • Court documents reveal that the altercation may have been triggered by a stolen phone. Kemp had reportedly tracked his missing cell phone to the Tacoma Mall parking lot using a tracking app.
  • Upon locating the vehicle he believed to be involved, Kemp allegedly exited his Porsche and opened fire.
  • The lawsuit contends that Jackson and his friend were unaware of any stolen phone and were blindsided by Kemp’s aggressive actions.
Shawn Kemp
Shawn Kemp (Image: Source)

Shawn Kemp: The Legal Battle

Criminal and Civil Cases

While Kemp faces a civil lawsuit filed by Jackson, he is also entangled in a criminal case where he has pleaded not guilty to first-degree assault.2

Kemp’s legal team argues that he acted in self-defense, claiming that individuals in the Toyota 4Runner fired at him first.

This narrative is partially supported by Kemp’s statements during police interviews, although surveillance footage reportedly contradicts his account.

A key piece of evidence in the case is video footage from the scene, which allegedly shows Kemp retrieving a revolver from his backpack immediately after exiting his vehicle.

This detail casts doubt on his self-defense claim, as it suggests premeditation rather than a reactionary measure.

Despite the exchange of gunfire, no injuries were reported, adding another layer of complexity to the case.

The Discovery of an AR-15 Style Pistol

Further complicating matters, law enforcement discovered an “AR-15 style pistol” in the trunk of Kemp’s car.

While the weapon was unloaded, its presence raises questions about Kemp’s intentions and preparedness for a confrontation.

Jackson’s attorney, Fred Rabb, emphasizes that neither Jackson nor his friend posed an immediate threat to Kemp, stating, “No one pointed a gun at Shawn Kemp. He just opened fire.”

Dajuan Jackson, the man suing Kemp, has a checkered past with a detailed criminal record and is currently incarcerated at the Coyote Ridge Corrections Center in Connell, Washington.

Despite his legal troubles, Jackson claims that the shooting incident has inflicted significant emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and other personal damages.

Legal Claims: Negligence and Emotional Distress

Jackson’s lawsuit against Kemp includes multiple claims:

  1. Negligent Infliction of Emotional Distress: Jackson argues that Kemp’s reckless behavior caused severe psychological trauma.
  2. Loss of Enjoyment of Life: The plaintiff claims that the incident has adversely affected his ability to find joy and satisfaction in daily activities.
  3. General Damages: This broad category encompasses various forms of non-economic harm, such as mental anguish and emotional suffering.
Shawn Kemp
Shawn Kemp (Image: Source)

Shawn Kemp’s Defense: Self-Defense Argument

Kemp’s legal team maintains that he acted in self-defense, a claim supported by his statements to law enforcement.3

According to Kemp, he was fired upon first, prompting him to return fire to protect himself. This defense hinges on the credibility of witness testimonies and the interpretation of surveillance footage.

The incident has sparked widespread media coverage and public debate, particularly given Kemp’s status as a beloved NBA figure.

Fans and former teammates have expressed mixed reactions, with some defending Kemp’s character and others questioning his judgment. The lawsuit and criminal case could significantly impact his post-NBA career and public image.

The Role of Marvena Thomas

Marvena Thomas, Kemp’s ex-wife, is also named as a defendant in the lawsuit, though her involvement in the actual incident remains unclear. Legal experts speculate that her inclusion may relate to joint ownership of assets or potential complicity in events leading up to the shooting.

A trial readiness status hearing is scheduled for February 7, which will determine the next steps in both the criminal and civil cases. Legal analysts anticipate a contentious trial, given the high-profile nature of the defendants and the complex evidence involved.

The case raises broader questions about gun ownership, self-defense laws, and the responsibilities of public figures.

It also highlights the challenges of navigating legal disputes that involve both criminal and civil components, particularly when high-profile individuals are involved.

Shawn Kemp
Shawn Kemp 

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Shawn Kemp’s Cannabis Dispensary Victimized by Burglary

Shawn Kemp, the former NBA star renowned for his spectacular dunks and his pivotal role in the Seattle SuperSonics’ 1990s success, has faced an unfortunate setback in his post-basketball career.

While Kemp’s athletic legacy is cemented in Seattle, his foray into the business world—specifically in the cannabis industry—has encountered a significant challenge.

In 2020, Kemp, alongside industry veterans Matt Schoenlein and Ramsey Hamide, ventured into the legal cannabis market by opening Kemp’s Cannabis, a dispensary in the heart of Seattle. The business quickly gained traction, offering a variety of cannabis products to the local community.

Kemp’s status as a beloved figure in Seattle added to the store’s appeal, and with two locations—one near the iconic Space Needle and the other in the SODO neighborhood—it seemed like his entrepreneurial efforts were off to a strong start.

However, on the morning of January 11, 2025, Kemp’s Cannabis faced an alarming and destructive robbery at their SODO location.

This burglary not only impacted the business but also hit close to home for the former basketball player who had invested so much of his time and resources into creating a new chapter for himself in the city that had supported him during his NBA career.

The Robbery: A Detailed Account

  • On the morning of the burglary, surveillance footage from inside the SODO dispensary provided a chilling sequence of events.
  • The burglar’s actions were deliberate and well-planned, revealing the extent to which the criminal was willing to go to break into the cannabis shop.
  • The suspect was seen first disabling an exterior camera, a move that allowed them to proceed undetected.
  • Once inside, the burglar used an axe and what experts identified as the “jaws of life”—a hydraulic rescue tool typically employed by firefighters to pry open doors or objects in emergency situations.
  • This tool enabled the thief to break into the store’s ATMs, a key target given the cash-only nature of many dispensaries like Kemp’s Cannabis.
  • With expertise, the criminal proceeded to remove the cash, placing it into a green truck parked outside the building.
  • The criminal didn’t stop there, though. Returning to the dispensary after loading the stolen cash into the truck, the burglar began breaking into display cases, likely searching for more valuable merchandise to steal.
  • For a total of 20 minutes, the burglar ransacked the store before eventually fleeing the scene.
  • This robbery highlights a significant issue many cannabis dispensaries face: their reliance on cash-only transactions.
  • In states where cannabis remains illegal federally, dispensaries are unable to operate through traditional banking systems.
  • As a result, they are often forced to operate on a cash-only basis, which makes them especially vulnerable to theft and robbery.
Shawn Kemp
Shawn Kemp

Shawn Kemp’s Resilience

Despite the setback, Shawn Kemp has made it clear that the burglary will not deter him from continuing his work with Kemp’s Cannabis or from his deep commitment to the city of Seattle.

Known for his charismatic and larger-than-life presence on and off the basketball court, Kemp remains undeterred by the challenges he faces in his new business venture.

When asked if he thought the robbery was motivated by his celebrity status and basketball career, Kemp responded thoughtfully, acknowledging that it could be a factor but suggesting that the act was more likely the result of desperate individuals in tough circumstances.

“Could be, could be, but I think it’s more of just, just desperate people these days, desperate times,” Kemp said in an interview, reflecting on the broader social and economic conditions that might have influenced the crime.

Kemp also assured the community that his love for Seattle remains unwavering. His relationship with the city has been long and fruitful, and he is determined to stay involved in the community. ”

Absolutely, absolutely, no doubt about it. I still got a lot of love for the city, still going to be involved in the community,” he said, reaffirming his commitment to the people who have supported him over the years.

 

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The Cannabis Industry’s Vulnerability

Kemp’s Cannabis is not alone in facing these types of threats. Many dispensaries across the United States are vulnerable to similar crimes due to their cash-heavy nature.

Since cannabis remains illegal under federal law, dispensaries are excluded from using traditional banking services. This often forces them to handle large amounts of cash, making them prime targets for robbers.

Moreover, the cannabis industry itself has been subject to evolving laws and regulations, with varying degrees of accessibility and acceptance across different states.

In some areas, dispensaries are thriving, while in others, they are struggling to stay afloat amidst increasing competition and the challenges of dealing with cash transactions.

For many dispensaries, the added risk of theft is just one more hurdle to navigate in an already complex industry.

It’s also a reminder that while cannabis businesses may be legal in certain states, they still face significant challenges that other industries may not encounter.

The robbery at Kemp’s Cannabis is just one example of the broader struggles that dispensaries face on a daily basis.

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Kankana Biswas
Kankana Biswas

I'm a strategic journalism graduate with expertise on socio-political issues, business, and finance. I'm a self-made entrepreneur, and have contributed to various news/media outlets since 2015. I also received degree of journalism from the Delhi College of Arts and Commerce.

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