MMA veteran Shannon “The Cannon” Ritch was released by Phoenix police after claiming self-defense in a fatal shooting incident that occurred last Saturday. The altercation, which took place in Phoenix, resulted in the death of Alejandro Samplina.
Phoenix Police issued the following statement to MMA Fighting [1]:
On June 15, 2024, around 9:20 p.m., officers responded to the area of 3060 West Agua Fria Freeway for a call of a shooting. Information on the call indicated at least one person was shot and the shooter was still onsite. Officers arrived and detained the suspect identified as Shannon Ritch without incident and recovered a firearm from his person. The victim identified as Alejandro Samplina was located down in the parking lot and was transported by Phoenix Fire to a local hospital, where he was pronounced deceased. Homicide investigators responded and assumed the investigation.
Preliminary investigation found the victim Alejandro Samplina got into a dispute with the victim/suspect Shannon Ritch over a parking issue. During the argument, Samplina produced a knife and chased Ritch around his vehicle. Ritch was able to retrieve his handgun from the open door of his vehicle. Samplina proceeded to walk towards Ritch with the knife in a threatening manner, in response Ritch fired one round, striking Samplina. Ritch remained on scene and was interview by detectives. Ritch provided a self-defense claim consistent with witnesses and surveillance video. He was released at the conclusion of the investigation; charges will be submitted to Maricopa County Attorney’s office for review.
Shannon Ritch, 53, who boasts an MMA record of 58-90, has not been charged with any crime as the investigation continues.