The former mixed martial artist, Shot and killed A man was arrested in self-defense after a parking dispute in Arizona, police said.
Phoenix police said they were called to a parking lot near 31st Avenue and Beardsley Road in north Phoenix around 9:20 p.m. Saturday for a report of a shooting.
His claim of self-defense is “consistent with witnesses and security camera footage.”
Police discovered 32-year-old Alejandro Sampurina shot to death by 53-year-old Shannon Ricci outside a popular bar called Twin Peaks.
Ricci told police that during an argument over a parking space, Sampurina threatened him with a knife, so he retrieved a gun from his car and fought back.
“Ricci was able to retrieve a handgun from the open door of the vehicle. Sampurina walked toward Rich in a threatening manner while holding a knife. In response, Rich fired one shot, striking Sampurina,” said Sergeant Myra Leeson with the Phoenix Police Department.
Police said they were able to recover a weapon from Rich.
Sampurina was taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Police said Ricci remained behind to make a statement and was released after his claim of self-defense was found to be “consistent with witnesses and security footage.”
The Maricopa County Prosecutor’s Office will be reviewing any charges that may be filed against Rich.
Ricci was known as “Shannon the Cannon” during his time as a bare-knuckle boxer and mixed martial artist, and has also worked as a stuntman in several Hollywood films, including the upcoming “Boneyard” opposite Mel Gibson.
The fighter had just returned from a bout in Doha, Qatar, his last professional bout. according to He first appeared on ESPN in 2019. He is known as the middleweight champion of the King of the Cage tournament.
Phoenix report The homicide rate is expected to plummet by about 40% in the first quarter of 2024 compared to the same period last year. Other U.S. cities have also reported declines in homicide rates in early 2024.
Recent investigation Concern about crime rates is rising among all three political demographics of Americans, with Republicans leading the way at 68% and Democrats coming in last at 47%. According to FBI statistics, violent crime rates are declining from 747 crimes per 100,000 people in 1993 to 380 crimes per 100,000 people in 2023.
The FBI also says property crime continues to decline, from about 5,000 per 100,000 people in 1993 to fewer than 2,000 per 100,000 people in 2023.
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