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Herriman Today
By the People, for the People
Utah Mom and Daughter Found Dead in Las Vegas Hotel Room
Police responded to a welfare check but left before discovering the bodies hours later
Feb. 18, 2026 at 10:15am
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Police were called to check on a Utah mother, Tawnia McGeehan, and her 11-year-old daughter, Addi Smith, at their Las Vegas hotel room on Sunday morning. After getting no response, officers left the scene, only for hotel security to discover the pair dead with gunshot wounds several hours later. Authorities suspect McGeehan killed her daughter before taking her own life amid an ongoing custody dispute with Addi's father.
Why it matters
This tragic incident highlights the challenges faced by families dealing with custody battles and mental health issues. It also raises questions about the police response and whether more could have been done to ensure the safety of McGeehan and her daughter.
The details
Police were called to the Rio Hotel & Casino around 10:45 a.m. on Sunday to conduct a welfare check on McGeehan and Addi. After knocking on the door and receiving no response, officers left the scene, believing there was no immediate danger. Nearly four hours later, hotel security entered the room and found the mother and daughter dead with gunshot wounds. Authorities suspect McGeehan killed Addi before taking her own life. The pair had been involved in a lengthy custody dispute with Addi's father, Brad Smith, which included strict protocols for handovers and exchanges.
- Police were called to the hotel room around 10:45 a.m. on Sunday, February 16, 2026.
- Officers left the hotel room after receiving no response from inside.
- Hotel security entered the room around 2:27 p.m. and found the bodies.
The players
Tawnia McGeehan
A 38-year-old Utah woman who was involved in a custody dispute with her ex-husband over their 11-year-old daughter, Addi Smith.
Addi Smith
The 11-year-old daughter of Tawnia McGeehan who was a cheerleader for the Xtreme Cheer team in Utah.
Brad Smith
The ex-husband of Tawnia McGeehan and the father of Addi Smith, with whom he was engaged in a lengthy custody battle.
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
The law enforcement agency that responded to the initial welfare check call at the Rio Hotel & Casino.
Xtreme Cheer
The cheerleading team that Addi Smith was a member of, which has been left heartbroken by her death.
What’s next
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department is continuing to investigate the incident and the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Tawnia McGeehan and Addi Smith.
The takeaway
This tragic case highlights the devastating consequences that can occur when families are torn apart by bitter custody disputes and mental health struggles. It underscores the need for greater support and resources for families navigating these complex issues, as well as improved coordination between law enforcement and social services to ensure the safety of vulnerable individuals.
