(SQAUK) Phoenix, Ariz. — In a tragic incident at a North Phoenix Twin Peaks restaurant parking lot, MMA veteran Shannon Ritch has claimed self-defense following the fatal shooting of 32-year-old Alejandro Samplina. The incident occurred on the evening of June 15, 2024, and arose from a parking dispute.
Phoenix Police reported that the altercation started when Samplina allegedly pulled out a knife and began chasing Ritch around his car. According to Ritch’s statement, he was able to get a handgun from his vehicle and fired a single shot in self-defense as Samplina advanced toward him in a threatening manner. Witnesses and surveillance footage reportedly support Ritch’s version of events.
Samplina was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Ritch stayed at the scene and cooperated with the authorities, but they have not yet filed any charges against him. The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office will review the case to decide if any legal action is necessary.
Ritch, known as “The Cannon” in the MMA community, last fought professionally in 2019. The specific details of the parking dispute that led to the confrontation remain unclear.
