Nighttime shooting leaves one dead in Phoenix

PHOENIX — A man is dead after being shot overnight in north Phoenix, authorities said Sunday.

Around 9:20 p.m., officers responded to the area of ​​35th Avenue and Loop 101 for a shooting call. Information in the call indicated the shooter was still on scene and one person had been shot.

Alejandro Samplina, 32, was found in the parking lot and transported by Phoenix firefighters to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Officers arrested suspect Shannon Ritch, 53, and recovered a firearm from his possession.

The preliminary investigation determined that Samplina had a dispute with Ritch over a parking issue. During the argument, Samplina allegedly pulled out a knife and chased Ritch around his vehicle.

While being pursued by Samplina, Ritch managed to retrieve his handgun through the open door of his vehicle and struck Samplina.

Ritch remained on scene and was interviewed by detectives, providing a claim of self-defense consistent with witnesses and surveillance video.

He was released after the investigation was completed, the sergeant said. Mayra Reeson with Phoenix PD said.