by Las Vegas, NV – A Las Vegas woman has been arrested after fatally shooting her boyfriend, Mark Gaughan, 23, while posing with a firearm during an impromptu early morning photoshoot, according to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD). The incident occurred on August 23, just before 5 a.m., at a residence about three miles south of the North Las Vegas Airport.
Officers responding to a 911 call discovered Gaughan sprawled on the sidewalk with a gunshot wound to the neck. Despite life-saving efforts by first responders, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Details of the Photoshoot
Police reports indicate that Gaughan was taking photos of his girlfriend, Allysandra Blea, 20, who was posing with a firearm. According to the investigation, the gun discharged during the photoshoot, striking Gaughan fatally.
The Clark County District Attorney’s Office charged Blea with Open Murder with a Deadly Weapon on August 26, and she was arrested without incident and booked into the Clark County Detention Center.
Investigators recovered Polaroid photos from the scene, showing Blea posing with a gun and another individual holding a knife. The 911 caller, boyfriend of the knife-wielding model, said the photoshoot began around 4:30 a.m. He confirmed that he initially ensured the firearm was unloaded before handing it to Blea.
However, the firearm was allegedly reloaded while the boyfriend briefly stepped away. Blea told police the shooting was an accident, claiming she believed the gun had no rounds and had never taken a firearm safety course.
Disturbing Social Media Evidence
Investigators discovered a concerning “fascination with firearms” while reviewing Blea’s social media accounts and messages. Authorities cited numerous posts referencing her enthusiasm for firearms and building an arsenal, including images of her posing with weapons.
Some messages were particularly chilling. In one, Blea allegedly wrote, “I wish I could shoot people with real guns and get away with it”, and spoke about harming others, including prostitutes and the homeless. In conversations with Gaughan, she reportedly suggested, “We gotta shoot someone real. Going to be the tunnels. If it’s only one a night the police will remain clueless.”
Police noted that Blea appeared to have knowledge and experience with firearms, contradicting her claim of inexperience.
Court Proceedings
Blea made her initial court appearance at the Las Vegas Township Justice Court, where Judge Nancy Bernstein formally charged her with murder. She was appointed a public defender, and her preliminary hearing is scheduled for October 2.
How should communities address the growing risks of firearms among young adults? Should stricter safety regulations or education be required to prevent tragedies like this? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
