Mother, Daughter Found Dead in Las Vegas Hotel in Apparent Murder-Suicide

Longtime custody dispute revealed in court documents after tragic incident

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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A 38-year-old mother, Tawnia McGeehan, shot and killed her 11-year-old daughter, Addi Smith, before turning the gun on herself in a Las Vegas hotel room over the weekend in an apparent murder-suicide, according to police. The pair from Utah was in town for a cheerleading tournament when the tragic incident occurred.

Why it matters

The case highlights the devastating impact of unresolved custody battles and mental health issues, which can sometimes lead to tragic outcomes. It also raises questions about hotel security protocols and the need for better support systems for families going through contentious legal disputes.

The details

Police were called to the Rio Hotel & Casino on Sunday morning after Addi failed to show up for her cheerleading competition. When officers arrived and got no response from the room, they left. Hours later, hotel security entered the room and found the bodies of Tawnia and Addi. Court documents revealed the mother and father, Brad Smith, had been involved in a custody dispute since Addi was a toddler, with the mother temporarily losing custody in 2020 due to concerns about her ability to co-parent.

  • On Sunday morning, police were called to the Rio Hotel & Casino for a welfare check after Addi failed to show up for her cheerleading competition.
  • Around 2:30 pm on Sunday, hotel security entered the room and found the bodies of Tawnia and Addi.

The players

Tawnia McGeehan

A 38-year-old mother from Utah who shot and killed her 11-year-old daughter before turning the gun on herself in an apparent murder-suicide.

Addi Smith

The 11-year-old daughter of Tawnia McGeehan who was killed by her mother in the apparent murder-suicide incident.

Brad Smith

Addi's father who had been involved in a long-running custody dispute with Tawnia McGeehan since Addi was a toddler.

Utah Xtreme

The cheerleading team that Addi was a part of, which released a message expressing their heartbreak over the tragedy.

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What they’re saying

“We are completely heartbroken. No words do the situation justice. She was so beyond loved, and she will always be a part of the UXC family.”

— Utah Xtreme, Cheerleading team (Facebook)

What’s next

Police have not released a motive for the murder-suicide, and the investigation is ongoing. Grief counselors will be available for the cheerleading team and their families on Tuesday.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the critical need for better support systems and resources for families navigating contentious custody battles, as well as the importance of addressing mental health issues that can lead to devastating outcomes. It's a heartbreaking reminder of the profound impact that unresolved conflicts can have on innocent lives.