Phoenix police are investigating the death of one man after he was shot overnight in north Phoenix.
According to the Phoenix Police Department, 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 him.
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.
Detectives believe that 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.
“Detectives believe that the victim, Alejandro Samplina …”
If he was chasing another man with a knife he forfeits the ‘victim’ moniker. Best to find another adjective – the aggressor, the assailant, or leave it out altogether, e.g. ‘Detectives believe that Alejandro Samplina …’
I was approached by a man with Malachite – its a popular weapon these days…
One less POS in the world! Pity, taking a knife to a gun fight…