LAS VEGAS — A tragic incident unfolded over the weekend at a hotel in Las Vegas, where a mother shot her 11-year-old daughter before taking her own life, according to local authorities. The incident, described as a murder-suicide, has left the community devastated and questioning the circumstances that led to such a heartbreaking outcome.
On Sunday afternoon, Tawnia McGeehan, 38, and her daughter, Addi Smith, were discovered deceased in their room at the Rio Hotel & Casino. The two had traveled from Utah to Las Vegas for a cheerleading tournament. Concerns for the pair arose when Addi missed her scheduled performance that morning, prompting her cheer team to alert the authorities.
Metro Police responded to the hotel at approximately 10:45 a.m. for a welfare check. Officers knocked multiple times and attempted to make contact through the door, but received no response. Without any immediate cause for concern, the officers cleared the scene, leaving the situation unresolved.
A series of efforts to locate the mother and daughter continued throughout the day. By 2:30 p.m., hotel security returned to the room after further attempts to reach them failed. Upon entering the room, security personnel discovered the bodies and quickly called 911 to report the situation.
Following the tragedy, Addi’s cheer team, Utah Xtreme, expressed their profound sorrow in a statement on social media, emphasizing the deep love and affection held for the young girl and the void her absence leaves in the team’s family.
Documents reveal that McGeehan had been engaged in a protracted custody battle with her ex-husband, Brad Smith, over Addi since she was a toddler. The conflict escalated to the point where McGeehan temporarily lost custody in 2020 due to allegations of behavior that risked alienating the child from her father. Reports also included instances of domestic disputes that raised concerns about her ability to co-parent effectively.
In 2021, McGeehan sought legal protection, claiming her daughter’s stepmother had recorded their custody exchanges, violating a court order. However, by 2024, the former couple reached a custody agreement, allowing them joint legal and physical custody.
As the investigation continues, police have not disclosed a motive for the tragic event. The cheerleading team’s coach has announced that grief counselors will be available to support families affected by the loss as they begin to process the overwhelming sadness of this situation.