MMA fighter ‘The Cannon’ shoots and kills man in deadly argument over a parking spot
An Arizona MMA fighter shot and killed a man during a deadly dispute over a parking spot.
Shannon Ritch, who goes by the nickname The Cannon, said he shot Alejandro Samplina in self-defense during the altercation 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 evening.
“Ritch was able to retrieve his gun from the open door of his vehicle,” said Phoenix Police Sgt. Mayra Reeson told it Fox 10.
MMA fighter shot and killed a man during a deadly parking lot dispute
‘Samplina walked towards Ritch threateningly with the knife. In response, Ritch fired one bullet, hitting Samplina.
The victim was rushed to hospital but later succumbed to his injuries.
Police said eyewitness statements and surveillance footage corroborated Ritch’s story.
He was released while the Maricopa County Prosecutor’s Office investigated the charges.
Ritch is an experienced MMA and bare-knuckle boxer, competing in the first Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship.
He recently traveled to Doha, Qatar to take on Darrill Schoonover.
Shannon Ritch, who goes by the nickname The Cannon, said he shot Alejandro Samplina in self-defense during the altercation 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 evening
In addition to his martial arts career, Shannon has appeared in several films as a stuntman.
His next project sees him starring opposite Mel Gibson in the upcoming ‘Boneyard’.