An Arizona MMA fighter shot and killed a man during a deadly dispute over a parking spot.
Shannon Ritch, nicknamed The Cannon, said he shot Alejandro Samplina in self-defense during the argument in a Phoenix parking lot.
Ritch, 53, said Samplina, 32, was armed with a knife and chased him around his car before he opened fire Saturday night.
“Ritch was able to recover his handgun from the open door of his vehicle,” said Phoenix Police Sgt. Mayra Reeson said fox 10.
MMA fighter shoots man to death during deadly dispute over parking spot
‘Samplina proceeded to walk towards Ritch with the knife in a threatening manner. In response, Ritch fired a bullet, hitting Samplina.
The victim was rushed to the hospital, but later succumbed to his injuries.
Police said eyewitness testimony and surveillance footage corroborated Ritch’s story.
He was let go while the Maricopa County Prosecutor’s Office reviews the charges.
Ritch is an experienced MMA and bare knuckle boxer, appearing in the inaugural bare knuckle fighting championship.
He recently traveled to Doha in Qatar to face Darrill Schoonover.
Shannon Ritch, nicknamed The Cannon, said he shot Alejandro Samplina in self-defense during the argument in a Phoenix parking lot.
Ritch, 53, said Samplina, 32, was armed with a knife and chased him around his car before opening fire Saturday night.
In addition to her martial arts career, Shannon has appeared as a stuntman in several films.
His next project will see him star alongside Mel Gibson in the upcoming film ‘Boneyard’.
