Family Pleaded with Las Vegas Police Before Mother and Daughter Found Dead

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The family of Tawnia McGeehan and her 11-year-old daughter Addi Smith repeatedly contacted Las Vegas police, urgently seeking confirmation about whether officers had entered their hotel room at the Rio Hotel and Casino and whether the two were alive. On Sunday, February 15th, McGeehan shot and killed Smith before dying by suicide. The mother and daughter were in Las Vegas for a cheer competition, and a yearslong custody battle had preceded the shooting, though the motive remained unclear.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the challenges families face when loved ones are in crisis, and the importance of effective police response and communication during welfare checks. It also raises questions about the role of law enforcement in domestic violence situations and the need for improved coordination between jurisdictions.

The details

According to 911 calls obtained by 8 News Now, several family members of McGeehan and Smith called Las Vegas Metro police and the fire department to check on their loved ones after they were reported missing. When officers responded to a welfare check on Sunday morning, they contacted hotel security, knocked on the door, and called out to the mother and daughter without success. It wasn't until security entered the room later that afternoon that the bodies were discovered.

• On Friday, McGeehan and Smith were last seen at the New York New York Hotel and Casino.
• On Sunday, February 15th, around 10:45 a.m., Metro police responded to a welfare check at the Rio Hotel and Casino.
• Around 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, hotel security entered the room and found McGeehan and Smith deceased.

What’s next

Detectives are still investigating the contents of a note found at the scene, which may provide more insight into the motive behind the murder-suicide.