Mother Kills Daughter, Then Self in Las Vegas Hotel Room

Tragedy unfolds at Rio Hotel & Casino near Las Vegas Strip

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

A mother and her pre-teen daughter were found dead in a hotel room at the Rio Hotel & Casino near the Las Vegas Strip on Sunday afternoon. Investigators have determined the mother shot her daughter before taking her own life. The two victims were in Las Vegas from Utah to attend a cheer competition.

Why it matters

Incidents of familial homicide are deeply tragic and often complex, highlighting the need for greater awareness and support for individuals and families facing difficult personal circumstances. This case underscores the importance of vigilance and access to mental health resources to prevent such devastating outcomes.

The details

Police were initially contacted Sunday morning to perform a welfare check on the mother and daughter. After receiving no response, authorities entered the room around 2:30 p.m. and found both individuals unresponsive with gunshot wounds. Homicide detectives confirmed the mother shot her daughter before shooting herself. A note was left at the scene, which could provide further insight into the events leading up to the tragedy.

  • Police were contacted Sunday morning to perform a welfare check.
  • Authorities entered the hotel room around 2:30 p.m. on Sunday.

The players

Rio Hotel & Casino

The hotel where the incident occurred, located near the Las Vegas Strip.

Utah

The home state of the mother and daughter, who were in Las Vegas for a cheer competition.

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What’s next

The investigation could involve a thorough review of the note left at the scene, potentially offering insight into the events leading up to the tragedy. Police may also conduct interviews with family and friends to gather more information about the individuals involved and any potential stressors they may have been facing.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for greater awareness and access to mental health resources to support individuals and families facing difficult personal circumstances, as incidents of familial homicide are often deeply rooted in complex personal and emotional factors.