Mother and Daughter Found Dead in Las Vegas Hotel Room

Tragic murder-suicide incident unravels after chilling 911 calls

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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A Utah woman named Tawnia McGeehan, 34, and her 11-year-old daughter Addilyn Smith were found dead inside their hotel room at the Rio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. Police determined that McGeehan shot and killed her daughter before turning the gun on herself in a tragic murder-suicide incident.

Why it matters

This heartbreaking case highlights the devastating impact of domestic violence and the importance of mental health resources, especially for families going through custody disputes and other stressful life events. It also raises questions about hotel security protocols and the need for improved intervention when loved ones fail to show up for important events.

The details

According to the 911 calls, Smith's father reported the victims missing after they did not show up to a cheer dance competition that Addilyn was supposed to participate in. After several failed attempts to contact them, hotel security entered the room and found the mother and daughter deceased. Police found a note at the crime scene but did not reveal its contents. Court records show McGeehan and Smith's father had a contentious divorce and custody battle in recent years.

  • On the morning of February 15, 2026, 911 received a call reporting the victims missing.
  • Around 10:45am, patrol officers knocked on the victims' hotel room but there was no response.
  • After more than three hours of failed attempts to contact the victims, hotel security entered the room and found the two females unresponsive.

The players

Tawnia McGeehan

A 34-year-old Utah woman who shot and killed her 11-year-old daughter Addilyn Smith before turning the gun on herself in a tragic murder-suicide incident.

Addilyn Smith

An 11-year-old girl who was killed by her mother Tawnia McGeehan in a murder-suicide at a Las Vegas hotel.

Addilyn Smith's father

The father of Addilyn Smith who reported the victims missing after they did not show up to Addilyn's cheer dance competition.

Addilyn Smith's cheer coach

The coach of Addilyn Smith's cheer team who also called 911 to report the victims' absence from the competition, fearing Addilyn was in danger.

Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department

The police department that investigated the murder-suicide incident at the Rio Hotel & Casino and confirmed the details of the tragic event.

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What they’re saying

“I'm trying to figure out where my daughter and her mom is. They were supposed to be at a dance competition this morning, they didn't show up, people went to their hotel room, they're not answering the door.”

— Addilyn Smith's father (Las Vegas Review-Journal)

“They're not answering messages or even seeing the messages, very strange. I talked to [McGeehan] yesterday and my daughter and everything seemed just fine. She was at her practice yesterday.”

— Addilyn Smith's father (Las Vegas Review-Journal)

“Addi was kind of that positive influence that the team needed always willing to be a leader. She was an athlete that just embodied everything that we that we strive to have and we strive to do and teach our kids at my gym.”

— Kory Uyetake, Owner of Utah Xtreme Cheer Gym (ibtimes.co.uk)

What’s next

Police are still investigating possible motives for the murder-suicide and the contents of the note found at the crime scene.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the critical need for better mental health resources and support systems, especially for families navigating custody disputes and other high-stress situations. It also highlights the importance of hotel security protocols to quickly respond when guests fail to show up for scheduled events or activities.