A 32-year-old man is dead following a weekend shooting over a parking issue, Phoenix police said.

The suspect in the shooting claimed self-defense, telling investigators the victim was coming at him with a knife, according to a Phoenix Police Department release.

Officers responded about 9:20 p.m. June 15 to a shooting near 3060 West Agua Fria Freeway.

Upon arrival, they contacted the suspected shooter, 53-year-old Shannon Ritch, and took a gun from him without incident, police said.

The victim, Alejandro Samplina, was on the ground in the parking lot and taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead.

A preliminary investigation found Samplina became involved in a dispute with 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,” the release stated.

Samplina continued to walk toward Ritch with the knife in a “threatening manner, in response Ritch fired one round, striking Samplina,” according to the release.

Ritch gave a self-defense claim to investigators that was consistent with witnesses and surveillance video, police said.  He was released. Charges will be submitted to Maricopa County Attorney’s office for review.

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