News Summary
Allysandra Blea, a 20-year-old woman, faces open murder charges after accidentally fatally shooting 23-year-old Mark Gaughan during a photoshoot with a loaded firearm. Investigators raised concerns over her prior social media posts indicating familiarity with firearms. Blea has been denied bail and a preliminary hearing is scheduled. This tragic incident underscores the critical importance of gun safety, particularly in photography settings. As the investigation continues, authorities highlight the need for discussions on responsible firearm use to prevent future tragedies.
Las Vegas – A 20-year-old woman, Allysandra Blea, has been charged with open murder following a tragic incident that occurred during a photoshoot involving firearms. The incident took place on Saturday, August 23, when Blea, while posing for pictures, accidentally discharged a loaded gun, fatally wounding 23-year-old Mark Gaughan.
Blea appeared in court on Tuesday, where she was denied bail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for October 2, as the legal process begins to address the serious charges against her. The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police (LVMPD) made the arrest after conferring with the Clark County District Attorney’s Office regarding the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
According to police reports, the shooting occurred while Blea was posing with a loaded firearm near a vehicle. During a camera flash, she reportedly lifted her arm, causing the gun to fire and strike Gaughan in the neck. Emergency medical personnel arrived at the scene but could not save him; Gaughan was pronounced dead shortly thereafter.
Investigators noted that Blea had claimed she did not know the gun was loaded before beginning the photoshoot. However, a review of her social media activity indicated a notable interest and experience in firearms. Posts revealed messages about her passion for shooting and building a gun collection, raising concerns about her familiarity with weapon handling. One alarming message indicated a desire to shoot people with real guns without consequences.
The Clark County coroner subsequently ruled Gaughan’s death a homicide resulting from a gunshot wound to the neck and torso. This tragic event underscores the potential dangers associated with using firearms as props during images and stresses the importance of practicing safe gun handling techniques.
As the case progresses, Blea remains in custody at the Clark County Detention Center without the option of bail. The ramifications of this incident not only impact the families involved but also serve as a sobering reminder of the responsibilities that come with handling firearms.
Gun safety is a pressing concern, particularly in environments where individuals may be tempted to treat weapons casually, such as in photography settings. The LVMPD has emphasized the need for proper education on gun safety and the potential risks presented by handling firearms irresponsibly.
This event has garnered attention within the community, raising awareness of the importance of safety discussions among firearm owners and users. As the preliminary hearing approaches, more details are expected to emerge from the ongoing investigation, which may further clarify the circumstances leading to this tragic incident.
Law enforcement continues to advocate for legislative measures aimed at preventing similar occurrences in the future, pushing for greater accountability when it comes to firearm usage. As the community processes this loss, the hope remains that lessons can be learned to prevent further tragedies.
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Additional Resources
- News 3 Las Vegas
- 8 News Now
- KTNV
- Fox 5 Vegas
- Las Vegas Review-Journal
- Wikipedia: Gun Safety
- Google Search: Firearm Safety
- Google Scholar: Firearm Safety Education
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Firearm Safety
- Google News: Las Vegas Photography Shooting
Author: STAFF HERE LAS VEGAS WRITER
LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER The LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELasVegas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Las Vegas, Clark County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Electric Daisy Carnival, World Series of Poker, and Consumer Electronics Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce and Three Square Food Bank, plus leading businesses in hospitality and entertainment that power the local economy such as MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment, and Las Vegas Sands. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Nevada's dynamic landscape.
