Utah Cheer Mom Fatally Shoots 11-Year-Old Daughter In Las Vegas Hotel Murder-Suicide

LAS VEGAS, NV. (THECOUNT) — Addi Smith, 11, and her mother, Tawnia McGeehan, were found dead inside a Las Vegas hotel room Sunday in what authorities are investigating as an apparent murder-suicide, according to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.

Police say the mother and daughter were in Las Vegas for a cheerleading competition when friends became concerned after they failed to attend a scheduled Utah Xtreme Cheer team meeting Sunday morning. A welfare check was requested at the Rio Hotel & Casino, where the pair were staying.

Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Lieutenant Robert Price told reporters Sunday evening that officers responded to the hotel at approximately 10:45 a.m. However, investigators initially did not have sufficient information to make entry into the room.

Hotel security personnel later reattempted entry at approximately 2:30 p.m. after family members urged staff to try again. Upon entering the room, authorities discovered the bodies of McGeehan and her daughter.

“At some time last night, the mother shot her daughter and then shot herself,” Price said during a press briefing. “This is a sad and tragic incident, and our hearts go out to the family.”

Court records show that McGeehan had been involved in a prolonged and contentious custody dispute with her ex-husband, Brad Smith, following their 2015 divorce. The legal battle over custody of Addi reportedly spanned approximately nine years, with filings indicating ongoing disagreements between the former spouses. According to court documentation, the proceedings were marked by escalating tensions as both parties sought custody arrangements through the family court system.

Investigators believe the shooting occurred Saturday night. Police confirmed that a note was recovered from the scene but have not disclosed its contents. Authorities have not publicly released details regarding the firearm involved.

Police described McGeehan as being in her mid-30s. Officials stated that the motive remains unknown. The case remains under active investigation.

“Anytime that you are dealing with any type of child death, it’s sad,” Price added. “It’s a tragedy; our hearts go out to the family.”

Both Addi and her mother had been reported missing prior to the discovery, according to a social media post from a nonprofit organization called A Voice for the Voiceless. Family members and the cheerleading community were notified following confirmation of their deaths.

Utah Xtreme Cheer, a Utah-based cheerleading team, confirmed Addi’s death in a statement posted Sunday evening.

“With the heaviest hearts, we share the devastating news that our sweet athlete Addi has passed away,” the team wrote. “We are completely heartbroken.”

The organization described Addi as deeply loved and said she would always remain part of the team’s family. The group asked the public to respect the privacy of Addi’s loved ones and fellow team members during this difficult time.

Authorities have not released further details regarding the circumstances leading up to the incident. The Clark County Coroner’s Office is expected to determine the official cause and manner of death.

The investigation remains ongoing.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. In the United States, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. In an emergency, call 911.

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