Cheerleader and Mother Found Dead in Vegas Hotel in Apparent Murder-Suicide

Stepmom's desperate plea for help went unanswered before the tragic discovery

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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The stepmom of an 11-year-old cheerleader, Addi Smith, posted a desperate plea for information on Facebook after Addi and her mother, Tawnia McGeehan, went missing. Their bodies were later found in a Las Vegas hotel room in an apparent murder-suicide. McGeehan was embroiled in a bitter custody dispute with Addi's father, Brad Smith.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the devastating consequences that can occur when family disputes escalate. It also raises questions about hotel security protocols and police response times when missing persons reports are filed.

The details

Police were first alerted on Sunday when Addi failed to show up for a cheer competition. Officers visited the hotel room at the Rio Hotel & Casino but left after getting no response, having no indication either were in danger. Family members continued to press police and hotel officials to check on the room, and hotel security later discovered Addi and McGeehan shot dead roughly four hours after police had left.

  • On Sunday, family members contacted police after Addi failed to show up for a cheer competition.
  • Around 10:45 a.m., police visited the hotel room at the Rio Hotel & Casino but left after getting no response.
  • Several hours later, hotel security entered the room and discovered Addi and McGeehan shot dead.

The players

Addi Smith

An 11-year-old cheerleader who was killed by her mother in an apparent murder-suicide.

Tawnia McGeehan

Addi's 38-year-old mother, who was embroiled in a bitter custody dispute with Addi's father and allegedly killed Addi before taking her own life.

McKennly Smith

Addi's stepmom, who posted a desperate plea for information on Facebook before the bodies were found.

Brad Smith

Addi's father, who was involved in a custody dispute with Tawnia McGeehan.

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What’s next

Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the apparent murder-suicide, including the details of the custody dispute between Addi's parents.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the need for better support systems and intervention for families dealing with custody battles and mental health issues, in order to prevent such devastating outcomes in the future.