Utah Cheer Mom Kills Daughter, Then Herself in Las Vegas Hotel

Tawnia McGeehan and 11-year-old Addi Smith found dead in apparent murder-suicide after years-long custody battle with ex-husband

Feb. 19, 2026 at 1:07pm

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A Utah cheer mom, Tawnia McGeehan, allegedly shot her 11-year-old daughter, Addi Smith, before turning the gun on herself inside a Las Vegas hotel room. The incident occurred after a years-long bitter custody battle between McGeehan and Addi's father, Brad Smith, dating back to their 2015 divorce. Court records show the parents were required to follow detailed exchange protocols and were barred from filming the exchanges. McGeehan had recently lost custody for a time in 2020 before regaining joint custody in 2024. The mother and daughter were in Las Vegas for a cheerleading competition when the tragedy occurred.

Why it matters

This case highlights the devastating impact that prolonged custody battles can have on families, especially children caught in the middle. It also raises questions about mental health support and resources for parents going through such difficult legal disputes. The alleged murder-suicide has left the local cheer community in shock and grief.

The details

According to court records, McGeehan and Addi's father, Brad Smith, spent nearly a decade fighting over custody arrangements, with judges imposing detailed exchange protocols. At one point in 2020, McGeehan temporarily lost custody after a judge found she had engaged in conduct that could alienate Addi from her father. By 2024, the parents reached a joint legal and physical custody agreement, alternating weeks. The mother and daughter were in Las Vegas for a cheerleading competition when they failed to show up Sunday morning, prompting a welfare check. Police later found both victims dead in the hotel room, with McGeehan having shot Addi and then herself.

  • The parents' divorce was finalized in 2015.
  • In 2020, McGeehan temporarily lost custody of Addi.
  • By 2024, the parents reached a joint custody agreement.
  • The incident occurred on Sunday, February 17, 2026.

The players

Tawnia McGeehan

A 38-year-old Utah cheer mom who was involved in a years-long custody battle with her ex-husband, Brad Smith, over their 11-year-old daughter, Addi.

Addi Smith

The 11-year-old daughter of Tawnia McGeehan and Brad Smith, who was tragically killed by her mother in an apparent murder-suicide.

Brad Smith

Addi's father, who was engaged in a lengthy custody battle with his ex-wife, Tawnia McGeehan, over their daughter.

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What they’re saying

“We already see so much speculation going around so please help in just spreading love and prayers while my brother tries to pick up the pieces of what has happened.”

— Valerie Krystine Muniz, Addi's aunt and the sister of her father (Social media)

“I have never known a man to love and fight for his daughter like he has done all of Addi's life. The system failed him and her.”

— Valerie Krystine Muniz, Addi's aunt and the sister of her father (Social media)

What’s next

The investigation into the incident remains ongoing, and authorities have not released additional details about a possible motive.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the need for better support and resources for families navigating complex custody battles, as well as the importance of addressing mental health issues that can arise in such high-stress situations. The local cheer community is left in shock and grief, highlighting the far-reaching impact of this devastating loss.