Life Sentence Imposed in Fatal Sahara Avenue Alley Shooting

A man convicted in a 2024 shooting that killed a woman and seriously injured another person behind a Las Vegas rental car business has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term, according to court records.

Frederick Blanche Jr. was sentenced Thursday to 24 years to life in prison after pleading guilty last month to one count of murder and one count of attempted murder. The sentence was imposed under the terms of a plea agreement reached with prosecutors in December.

Las Vegas Metropolitan Police said officers responded to a report of gunfire near Sahara Avenue and Decatur Boulevard, where they found 36-year-old Gina Martin and a man suffering from gunshot wounds. Investigators determined the two were visiting a nearby rental car office when a pickup truck entered the alley and shots were fired. Martin died at the scene, while the second victim was transported to a hospital with critical injuries.

Blanche was later identified as the suspect, and a warrant was issued for his arrest. Authorities located and arrested him in Buckeye, Arizona.

Friends and family members told the Las Vegas Review-Journal that Martin and Blanche had previously been in a relationship that had ended prior to the shooting. They described Blanche’s behavior as increasingly concerning and said Martin had received threats before her death.

During Thursday’s sentencing hearing, Blanche addressed the court and expressed remorse for his actions. Family members of Martin also spoke, describing the lasting impact of her death on her loved ones, including her young son.

Judge Tierra Jones imposed the sentence as agreed upon in the plea deal, bringing the criminal case to a close.

Source: KSNV