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Former MMA Fighter’s Deadly Encounter Exposes Everyday Dangers in Phoenix

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In a recent case that goes to show that danger can lurk in the most mundane of situations, a former mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter found himself in a life-or-death situation in a Phoenix, Arizona parking lot. According to local authorities, the ex-combatant was forced to rely on his survival instincts and revert to using deadly force to protect himself.

As detailed by the Phoenix police department, they received a distress call regarding a shooting incident near 31st Avenue and Beardsley Road in northern Phoenix. The call came in around 9:20 p.m. on a Saturday, casting a somber end to what was otherwise a typical weekend night.

The person at the center of the incident was 53-year-old Shannon Ritch, formerly known as “Shannon the Canon” in his MMA days. According to eyewitnesses and corroborated by surveillance footage, Ritch was embroiled in a dispute over a parking space with 32-year-old Alejandro Samplina outside the popular local watering hole, Twin Peaks.

In a statement to the police, Ritch claimed that Samplina had brandished a knife and threatened him during their spat over the parking spot. In response, Ritch retrieved a handgun from his car.

Phoenix Police Sgt. Mayra Reeson recounted the incident: “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.”

Despite Ritch’s lethal reaction, authorities have confirmed that they were able to recover the weapon used in the fatal engagement. Samplina, unfortunately, did not survive his gunshot wound and was declared dead upon transportation to the hospital.

In a show of cooperation, Ritch remained at the scene to provide his statement to the police. Following their initial investigation, which included corroborating Ritch’s self-defense claim with witnesses and surveillance video, the police released him.

The case is now in the hands of the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, which will review any charges that might be filed against Ritch.

Before his involvement in this tragic incident, Ritch was known for his exploits in the ring as a bare knuckle boxer and MMA fighter, and even worked as a stunt man in Hollywood movies. He’s expected to appear in an upcoming Mel Gibson film, “Boneyard.”

Ritch’s last fight in the ring was in 2019, according to ESPN. He had recently returned from a bout in Doha, Qatar. He is recognized as the Middleweight Champion for the King of the Cage tournament.

In a broader context, Phoenix has reported a significant reduction in its homicide rate by about 40% in the first quarter of 2024, in comparison to the same time the previous year. This trend is not limited to Phoenix, as other U.S. cities have also reported decreases in their respective homicide rates in early 2024.

The decrease in crime rates, however, hasn’t done much to alleviate the concern of Americans. Recent surveys indicate that worry over crime rates has surged across all political spectrums, with 68% of Republicans expressing concern, trailing closely by Democrats at 47%. FBI statistics underline this seeming contradiction, showing that violent crime has halved from 747 instances per 100k people in 1993 to 380 instances per 100k in 2023.

Perhaps even more impressively, property crime has seen a significant decrease, from nearly 5k instances per 100k people in 1993 to fewer than 2k instances per 100k people in 2023. Despite these encouraging figures, it’s clear that incidents like the one involving Ritch and Samplina remind us that the specter of violence can present itself when least expected.


Do you believe the former MMA fighter was justified in using lethal force to handle a parking dispute, based on the principles of self-defense?

Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.

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  1. Keoni May

    June 30, 2024 at 2:18 pm

    When a knife is displayed, during a heated argument, even a trained unarmed fighter, is at a disadvantage. The person with the knife, will always have an advantage, in a street fight. In prison & in jail, an inmate with a knife, most of the time, wins the fight. To strongly believe, that even a trained martial artist, has an advantage over a person with a knife, doesn’t understand reality.

  2. SV

    June 30, 2024 at 3:38 pm

    I don’t know who you are trying to kid, but crime and property is not down. The people actually caught and going to jail down. Our blue city is like all others. Criminals walk, political opponents are charged.

  3. Paul

    June 30, 2024 at 5:07 pm

    Never bring a knife to a gun fight, or FAFO. He did! The idiot bit off more than he could chew!

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Preparedness

Discover the Secret to 25-Year Emergency Food Supplies

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When it comes to emergency preparedness, ensuring a reliable food supply is crucial. Meals Ready-to-Eat (MREs) are a staple in any disaster readiness plan, and Patriot MRE food kits stand out for their comprehensive nutrition and long shelf life. These kits are crafted to be a dependable food source during emergencies when regular access to fresh groceries may be disrupted.

Patriot MREs are designed to last between 5 to 10 years, with some brands claiming up to 25 years when stored properly. This longevity is achieved through advanced preservation techniques like nitrogen flushing and vacuum sealing, which effectively remove oxygen and prevent spoilage. The meals are stored in durable pouches that protect them from moisture, light, and oxygen, ensuring they remain fresh and nutritious over time.

“Patriot MRE food kits provide complete nutrition and long shelf life, making them an essential component of any emergency preparedness plan.” Each kit is designed to meet a person’s daily caloric needs, offering a range of familiar, tasty foods such as pasta, eggs, and chicken. With a focus on balanced nutrition, these meals provide over 2,000 calories per day, ensuring sufficient energy and protein intake during a crisis.

One common concern about emergency food supplies is the potential lack of taste or variety. However, Patriot MRE kits address this with a diverse selection of meals, including options like chili mac, chicken fajita pasta, and biscuits and gravy. The meals are packaged in resealable pouches, allowing for portion control and storage of leftovers, which is particularly useful in long-term emergencies.

Proper storage is key to maximizing the shelf life of Patriot MREs. It’s recommended to keep them in a cool, dark place, such as a basement or root cellar, to maintain maximum freshness. “With a 25 year shelf life, Patriot Supply MREs lead the industry,” making them a reliable choice for long-term emergency food reserves.

Several brands offer high-quality Patriot MREs, each with unique features. My Patriot Supply is renowned for its durable, resealable pouches and a wide range of meal options, ensuring over 2,000 calories per day. Their kits are engineered to last up to 25 years, providing reliable nutrition when needed most.

4Patriots focuses on convenience with grab-and-go pouches that are designed to withstand extreme conditions while delivering essential nutrients. Ready Hour offers bulk options with diverse menus, making it an affordable choice for those looking to stock up on emergency food supplies. Meanwhile, Mountain House is known for its gourmet flavors and 30-year shelf life, offering a premium option for those who prioritize taste.

Building a customized emergency food supply is a smart strategy to meet your household’s unique needs. Start by calculating the daily caloric requirements for each family member, taking into account factors like age, health conditions, and activity levels. Customize your stockpile by purchasing individual pouches that align with your family’s dietary preferences and restrictions.

To get the most out of your investment, proper storage is essential. “Store pouches in a cool, dry place with temperatures below 75°F” to ensure they retain their nutritional value and taste. Regularly rotate your stock and monitor expiration dates to maximize freshness.

In addition to food, don’t forget to include water and preparation tools in your emergency planning. MREs require water for preparation, so ensure you have adequate water storage and purification methods. Portable cooking tools, such as a camping stove and utensils, are also necessary for meal preparation in the absence of electricity.

Overall, Patriot MREs provide a practical and nutritious solution for emergency preparedness. With their long shelf life, balanced nutrition, and convenient packaging, these kits offer peace of mind and sustenance during times of crisis.


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Preparedness

Hidden Storage Spaces for Ultimate Preparedness

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Starting your journey into preparedness can be daunting, especially when it comes to finding storage space for all your essential supplies. Many people find themselves saying, “I don’t have anywhere to put all these preps!” Without a basement or dedicated storage room, it can feel like an impossible task. However, there are several creative strategies to maximize your available space.

Firstly, remember that food items require a cool, dark environment with minimal temperature fluctuations, so avoid storing these in garages or unheated areas. Non-food items don’t have these restrictions and can be safely stored in places like the garage or attic.

One often overlooked space is right under your bed. By swapping your bed frame for a taller one with a lift top, you can gain a significant amount of hidden storage. The exact amount of space will depend on the size and height of your bed. You can purchase storage bed frames or, if you’re handy, construct your own. These frames come in various configurations, some more discreet than others.

If you’re storing dehydrated food, such as the kind from MyPatriotSupply, you might be able to fit a year’s supply for one or two people under your master bed. For children’s beds, consider a captain’s bed with cupboards accessible from the opposite side of the drawers. This setup allows for organized storage of various items, from long-term food to clothing and toys, keeping the room tidy and functional.

Another underutilized space is beneath the stairs. You can create access points from the lower level or even from the treads if you’re skilled in DIY projects. This can provide a surprising amount of additional storage.

For homeowners, consider creating shelving between the studs in your walls. This method offers a discreet way to store canned food and other items. There are metal units available specifically designed for this purpose, allowing for easy rotation and access. This approach helps prevent food from expiring unnoticed at the back of your pantry.

Innovative furniture solutions can also contribute to your storage needs. For instance, you can transform 5-gallon buckets into “coffee tables” by placing a wooden top over them and covering it with cloth. Alternatively, move your sofa out by about six inches and stack #10 cans behind it, topped with a board.

Maximize your space by using organizers and shelves, and clear out items you no longer need. You’ll be amazed at how much space is freed up with a little organization.

Bookshelves, for example, can double as storage for canned food and sealed pouches. Most books are 6 to 8 ½ inches wide, leaving room to discreetly store canned goods behind them. Taller hardbacks can conceal a double row of cans, while pouches stand up neatly on their own.

Finally, maintain an inventory of your preps. Knowing exactly what you have and where it’s stored is crucial for effective preparedness. This will also help you identify any gaps in your supplies, ensuring you’re always ready for whatever comes your way.


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Preparedness

Unlock Homesteading Secrets Without Spending a Dime

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Many aspiring homesteaders hesitate to embark on their journey, fearing the financial burden it might bring. While it’s true that starting a homestead can be costly, there are ways to begin without spending a dime. The key lies in changing your mindset and embracing resourcefulness.

You might not have the funds to purchase acres of land, but that doesn’t mean you can’t utilize the space you already have. It’s unnecessary to invest in expensive chicken coops or other equipment when you can create them yourself. Many newcomers to homesteading spend unnecessarily, forgetting that the essence of this lifestyle is self-sufficiency and minimizing expenses.

A guiding principle for starting a homestead with no money is to adopt the mindset of those who lived through the Great Depression: “use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without.”

An essential step towards self-sufficiency is prioritizing debt reduction. Being tied to monthly payments to others restricts your freedom. By focusing on paying down debts, you can redirect those funds towards essential homesteading needs.

Homesteading is a journey, not a race. New homesteaders often rush to buy unnecessary supplies. Instead of investing in a greenhouse before planting a small garden, take the time to plan your projects and budget accordingly.

One practical approach to starting a homestead without money is to buy used items. Make it a goal to avoid purchasing new items unless absolutely necessary. This not only saves money but also aligns with the homesteader’s goal of minimizing waste.

Utilize every bit of space you have, especially if it’s limited. Preserve food, repurpose materials, and explore creative uses for items you already own. Bartering is another valuable tool. Trading goods or services, like produce for eggs or skills for other necessities, can be a cost-effective way to acquire what you need.

To thrive as a homesteader, become a DIY enthusiast. Learn to fix things, sew, knit, and preserve food. These skills don’t cost anything to acquire but are invaluable in the long run.

Rather than envisioning a massive farm, start small. Begin with a backyard or kitchen garden, and expand as you gain experience and resources. You don’t need to grow all your food immediately. Supporting local farmers’ markets can supplement your family’s diet with fresh produce.

Livestock is integral to homesteading, but it’s easy to overspend. For example, many invest in elaborate pre-made coops instead of building their own. More spending doesn’t always equate to better quality, as one friend discovered when she ended up with more roosters than she bargained for.

Engage with your local homesteading community. These experienced individuals can offer advice, lend tools, and even share resources like cuttings. They are usually eager to help newcomers get started.

Composting is a nearly free practice that saves money and enriches your garden. It exemplifies the homesteader’s commitment to using up what they have.

If acquiring land seems out of reach, consider alternative options like community gardens or sharing space with neighbors. Some may have more land than they can manage and might appreciate sharing it in exchange for some of the produce.

There’s no need to rush out and buy seeds or plants. Ask neighbors or fellow homesteaders for cuttings or seeds they can spare. Often, people discard useful building materials like wood pallets and chicken wire. Keep an eye out for these free resources around construction sites or landfills.

Finally, make regular visits to your local library. It’s a treasure trove of free resources, including books and DVDs, that can teach you essential homesteading and DIY skills.

While starting a homestead with no money is challenging, it’s not impossible. By selling what you produce, you can gradually generate income to support your homestead. Remember, financial constraints shouldn’t deter you from pursuing your homesteading dreams.


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