A Nevada woman has pleaded guilty in the fatal shooting of a friend during a late-night photo shoot involving firearms. The case drew significant attention after investigators uncovered social media posts, witness statements, and details surrounding the shooting that led prosecutors to pursue serious criminal charges.
Although she was initially charged with murder, the defendant accepted a plea agreement and now awaits sentencing.
Nevada Woman Pleads Guilty in Fatal Shooting Case
Allysandra Blea, 20, of Las Vegas, pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and kidnapping in connection with the death of 23-year-old Mark Gaughan.
The plea was entered after prosecutors alleged that Blea shot Gaughan during a photo session in August 2025. By accepting the agreement, Blea avoided going to trial on a murder charge that had originally been filed against her.
She is scheduled to be sentenced on July 29.
Victim Was Taking Photos Before Shooting
According to court testimony, Gaughan was photographing Blea and her friends during a late-night gathering.
Witnesses said the group had been taking Polaroid photographs while Blea posed in a Halloween-themed outfit that included camouflage clothing and a bloody corset.
The group later moved outside to continue taking pictures with a different background. It was during this portion of the photo shoot that the shooting occurred.
Witness Maverick Crafts told investigators that he saw the camera flash as Gaughan took a photograph. Moments later, another flash appeared, followed by a loud noise. He then saw Gaughan and the camera fall to the ground.
Witness Described Tension in Relationship
Court records revealed testimony regarding the relationship between Blea and Gaughan.
According to Crafts, Gaughan believed the two were romantically involved and referred to Blea as his girlfriend. However, Blea reportedly did not view the relationship the same way.
Crafts told investigators that Blea was upset after learning that Gaughan referred to her as his girlfriend when speaking to friends. He said she expressed frustration and indicated that she did not consider herself to be in a romantic relationship with him.
Witnesses described their interactions as friendly but not particularly affectionate.
911 Call Reported Accidental Shooting
Police were called to a residence on Nassau Drive in Las Vegas shortly before 5 a.m. on August 23, 2025.
According to authorities, Blea made the emergency call and reported that the shooting had been accidental.
When officers arrived, they found Gaughan lying on a sidewalk with a gunshot wound to his neck. Emergency responders attempted lifesaving measures, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The investigation that followed examined both the circumstances of the shooting and the events leading up to it.
Prosecutors Highlighted Interest in Firearms
During court proceedings, prosecutors described Blea as someone with a strong interest in firearms.
Investigators reportedly found numerous photographs posted online showing her posing with handguns, revolvers, and rifles. Some images allegedly depicted firearms being pointed toward her head, stuffed animals, and other objects.
Court documents also referenced online comments attributed to Blea that became part of the investigation.
Prosecutors argued that her extensive familiarity with firearms was relevant to understanding the events surrounding the shooting.
Questions Raised About Weapon Handling
Investigators also interviewed another individual who was present at the home on the night of the shooting.
That witness told police he had previously worked at a gun store and had personally removed the magazine and cleared the firearm earlier in the evening.
According to statements given to investigators, Blea and another woman suggested that Gaughan may have reassembled or handled the firearm while they were changing clothes before the photo session resumed.
The exact sequence of events involving the weapon became an important part of the investigation.
Plea Deal Avoids Murder Trial
Before accepting the plea agreement, Blea faced a murder charge in connection with Gaughan’s death.
Under the agreement, she admitted to involuntary manslaughter and kidnapping for the purpose of causing substantial bodily harm or death, while acknowledging that she caused Gaughan’s death without intending to kill him.
Her defense attorneys reportedly characterized some of her social media activity involving firearms as dark humour rather than evidence of criminal intent.
The plea agreement allows the case to move directly to sentencing without a lengthy trial.
Sentencing Scheduled for July
With the guilty plea now entered, the focus of the case shifts to sentencing.
A judge will determine Blea’s punishment during a hearing scheduled for July 29. The court is expected to review evidence, victim impact statements, and recommendations from both prosecutors and defense attorneys before deciding the final sentence.
The outcome will mark the final stage in a case that began with what was described as a photo shoot among friends and ended in a fatal shooting.
