Las Vegas, Nevada — A Nevada woman who claimed a fatal shooting during an early morning photo session was an accident has been sentenced to five years to life in prison, bringing an emotional close to a case that drew attention after investigators uncovered disturbing messages about firearms on her phone.
Woman Sentenced in Fatal Shooting of Friend
Allysandra Blea, 21, appeared in court Tuesday for sentencing after previously pleading guilty to first-degree kidnapping and involuntary manslaughter in the death of 23-year-old Mark Gaughan.
According to prosecutors, Gaughan was shot once in the neck outside his home, located about four miles northwest of the Las Vegas Strip, shortly before 5 a.m. on Aug. 23, 2025.
The shooting happened after Blea, Gaughan, and friends had reportedly spent several hours drinking vodka and smoking marijuana at a nearby home before moving outside.
Photo Shoot Ended in Tragedy
Investigators said Blea and Gaughan began posing for photographs with Gaughan’s firearm on the hood of a truck parked in the driveway.
During the photo session, the gun discharged, fatally striking Gaughan in the neck. Police arrested Blea three days later, initially charging her with open murder with a deadly weapon.
Authorities recovered two Polaroid photographs from the scene, including one that appeared to show Blea holding a firearm and another showing a woman holding a knife.
Blea later told investigators she believed the gun was unloaded and insisted the shooting was accidental.
Phone Messages Became a Key Part of the Investigation
While examining Blea’s cellphone, detectives said they discovered numerous messages reflecting what they described as an obsession with firearms.
Investigators alleged the phone contained conversations about building an arsenal, along with photos of Blea posing with various weapons.
Among the messages cited by investigators was one that allegedly read, “I wish I could shoot people with real guns and get away with it.”
Police also referenced other violent statements allegedly discussing harming vulnerable people, which prosecutors used to highlight concerns during the investigation.
When questioned, Blea reportedly claimed the messages were jokes.
Grandfather’s Criminal History Also Mentioned
During the investigation, detectives testified that Blea also spoke about her grandfather, Joseph Blea, who has a lengthy criminal history in New Mexico.
According to testimony, she stated that her grandfather had been convicted and was suspected in the disappearances of multiple women.
Joseph Blea is currently serving a 36-year prison sentence following a conviction related to the 1988 rape of a 13-year-old girl. Authorities have also identified him as a person of interest in several unsolved disappearances involving women in New Mexico.
Officials did not suggest that his crimes were connected to the Las Vegas shooting, but the statements became part of the broader investigation after detectives questioned Blea about her online messages.
Victim’s Mother Condemns Plea Agreement
Following Tuesday’s sentencing, the court ordered Blea to serve a minimum of five years and a maximum of life in the Nevada Department of Corrections.
She was also ordered to pay $16,085.81 in restitution to cover Mark Gaughan’s funeral expenses and compensate his mother, Caroline Gaughan.
Addressing the court, Caroline Gaughan said the sentence did not reflect the gravity of her son’s death.
She described Blea as “a danger to society” and said she would continue living with the lifelong pain caused by losing her son.
Judge Jacqueline Bluth acknowledged the family’s disappointment but explained she approved the plea agreement because both the prosecution and defense faced significant risks if the case proceeded to trial.
Do you think plea agreements are appropriate in cases involving fatal shootings, or should more cases go before a jury? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
