A young woman in Las Vegas is facing serious charges after a tragic incident where she accidentally shot her boyfriend during a photo session. The events unfolded early in the morning of August 23, when police received a call about a shooting at a home located just three miles south of the North Las Vegas Airport.
When officers arrived on the scene, they found 23-year-old Mark Gaughan laying on the sidewalk with a gunshot wound to his neck. Despite the efforts of first responders, he was pronounced dead shortly after their arrival.
According to the investigation, the fatal shooting occurred while Gaughan was taking pictures of his girlfriend, 20-year-old Allysandra Blea, who was posing with a firearm. It seems that during the casual photo session, the weapon discharged, resulting in the tragic loss of Gaughan’s life.
Blea was charged with Open Murder with a Deadly Weapon just a few days after the incident. She was taken into custody without incident and is currently being held at the Clark County Detention Center.
Witnesses reported that a Polaroid photo of Blea posing with the gun, as well as another photo of a girl holding a knife, were found at the scene. The person who initially called 911, a friend of Blea’s, mentioned that the group had decided to do a photoshoot around 4:30 a.m.
Interestingly, this individual claimed responsibility for ensuring the gun was unloaded before handing it to Blea. He stated that he removed the magazine but, upon returning from changing outfits, found that the magazine had been put back in the gun.
Blea told police that she believed the shooting was accidental and admitted she had never taken a firearm safety course. However, this assertion raised red flags during the investigation. Authorities found evidence that suggested she had a concerning fascination with firearms. After obtaining a warrant, they reviewed her social media accounts and discovered a multitude of messages that reflected her interest in guns, including several images of her posing with various firearms.
One particularly alarming message allegedly included a wish to “shoot people with real guns and get away with it.” She even mentioned targeting individuals she labeled as “prostitutes and the homeless.” During discussions with Gaughan, Blea seemed to express a desire to use human targets rather than dummies when shooting.
The troubling nature of her online presence led investigators to believe that Blea had a significant amount of knowledge and experience with firearms. In a statement, police expressed concern over her apparent fascination and stated that it could indicate a deeper issue.
In her first court appearance, Blea was assigned a public defender. The case has drawn significant attention, and many are following the proceedings closely. Her preliminary hearing is set for October 2, where the court will determine the next steps in this serious case.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of firearm safety and responsible handling. With guns being a part of American culture, it’s essential to ensure they’re treated with the respect and caution they deserve. As this case moves forward, it highlights the need for education on gun safety and responsible ownership, particularly among younger individuals who may not fully understand the risks involved.
