Woman Sentenced to Prison for Fatal Shooting During Gun-Enthusiast Photo Session

Alyssandra Blea, 20, has been sentenced to a minimum of five years in prison after pleading guilty to kidnapping and involuntary manslaughter following the death of her friend Mark Santiago Gaughan during a dangerous photo shoot involving firearms. The incident occurred on August 23, 2025, when Blea and several friends gathered for an evening that escalated into tragedy.

According to court documents, the group had been drinking heavily throughout the night before deciding to pose with weapons on the hood of a truck parked in the driveway. Mark Gaughan was taking photos during this event when Blea's actions led to his fatal shooting. Prosecutors and defense attorneys reached an agreement that avoided a trial and reduced her charges from open murder, leading to a stipulated sentence.

During pre-trial investigations, detectives uncovered evidence of Blea’s troubling fascination with firearms. Detective Kasey Kirkegard testified before the grand jury about disturbing images and messages found on Blea's phone, indicating she had an obsession with guns and fantasies about shooting someone without facing consequences. The detective noted that Blea used terms related to guns over 200 times in her social media posts.

At the sentencing hearing, Mark Gaughan’s mother, Christine Gaughan, delivered a heart-wrenching victim impact statement. She described her son as loving and kind-hearted, emphasizing how his death had left her with a lifetime of grief and trauma. “I will live with a life sentence of grief,” she said, expressing deep disappointment in the stipulated sentence.

Judge Jacqueline Bluth acknowledged the emotional weight of the case and the numerous letters received from both supporters of Blea and those mourning Gaughan's loss. Despite this, Judge Bluth endorsed the plea agreement, citing concerns about the risks involved in taking the case to trial. She noted that Blea would serve a minimum of five years with the possibility of life imprisonment.

The tragic incident highlights ongoing debates around gun safety and responsible behavior among young adults who engage in risky activities involving firearms. It underscores the serious consequences of such actions and the lasting impact on families left behind by senseless violence.