Woman Shoots, Kills Boyfriend During Photoshoot With Loaded Weapon in Las Vegas
Las Vegas, NV – Authorities in Las Vegas are investigating a tragic and disturbing case in which a 20-year-old woman allegedly shot and killed her boyfriend during what began as a late-night photoshoot involving firearms.
The Incident
According to Las Vegas Metropolitan Police, the shooting occurred around 5 a.m. Saturday morning in the city’s Northwest Valley. Officers responded to reports of an accidental shooting and found 23-year-old Mark Santiago Gaughan suffering from a gunshot wound. Despite efforts to save him, he was later pronounced dead.
Investigators say the suspect, Allysandra Blea, and another woman had been posing for Polaroid photos while holding weapons. During the session, Blea allegedly discharged a firearm, striking Gaughan, who had been taking the photos.
Witnesses at the scene told police that the gun had originally been brought to the gathering by Mark himself, who reportedly believed the chamber was empty.
Photos and Evidence
Police recovered several photos showing Blea and the other woman posing with both knives and guns in what detectives described as provocative and reckless displays. In one photo, Blea—who has a bullseye tattoo on her chest—was seen lying back on another woman, holding a firearm with her finger on the trigger and the barrel pointed toward her own mouth. The second woman posed alongside her holding a knife.
Investigators said the images were troubling and highlighted the dangerous lack of firearm safety that ultimately ended in tragedy.
Drinking and Firearms Involved
Authorities also noted that Blea and others present admitted to drinking alcohol prior to the incident. Blea told police she had no prior firearms training, did not realize the weapon was loaded, and insisted that the shooting was an accident.
“She stated it was an accident and admitted she has never taken any firearm safety courses and believed the firearm didn’t have a bullet in the chamber,” investigators reported.
A History of Firearm Fascination
However, detectives uncovered evidence that suggested a deeper and more concerning pattern of behavior. In reviewing Blea’s social media accounts, police found repeated references to her fascination with guns and violence.
“In several conversations with various accounts, there was talk about her love of shooting guns, owning guns, building her arsenal, and shooting people in the face,” police records stated.
Photos from her online presence showed her posing with handguns, revolvers, and rifles—sometimes with the barrel pressed to her head, other times aimed at stuffed animals or random targets. In one chilling online comment, she allegedly wrote: “I wish I could shoot people with real guns and get away with it.”
Legal Proceedings
The Clark County Coroner’s Office ruled Mark Gaughan’s death a homicide. Prosecutors filed formal charges against Allysandra Blea, and during her first court appearance on Wednesday, she was denied bail.
Authorities emphasized that while Blea continues to claim the shooting was an accident, the combination of her online behavior, her documented fascination with firearms, and the reckless manner in which the gun was used raised significant concerns about her intent and judgment.
Remembering the Victim
Mark Santiago Gaughan was a 23-year-old model signed with the TNG Agency, remembered by friends and colleagues as a charismatic and talented young man with a promising future in the fashion industry. His sudden and violent death has left his loved ones devastated.
A Preventable Tragedy
Law enforcement officials underscored the dangers of mixing alcohol with firearms and the importance of proper gun safety training. This case serves as a grim reminder that mishandling weapons—even in the context of a photoshoot or casual display—can have deadly consequences.
The investigation into the shooting remains ongoing.