Cheer mom, daughter dead in apparent murder-suicide after years-long custody fight

Police say Utah woman shot 11-year-old before turning gun on herself in Las Vegas hotel room

Feb. 20, 2026 at 10:07pm

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A Utah cheer mom who police say shot her 11-year-old daughter before turning the gun on herself inside a Las Vegas hotel room had been locked in a bitter, years-long custody battle with her ex-husband dating back to their 2015 divorce, according to court records. The mother and daughter were in Las Vegas for a cheerleading competition when they failed to show up Sunday morning, prompting a welfare check by authorities.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the devastating impact that prolonged custody disputes can have on families, especially children caught in the middle. It also raises questions about the role of mental health, support systems, and potential warning signs that may have been missed in this case.

The details

Court filings show the parents, Tawnia McGeehan and 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 their daughter, 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 by authorities.

  • The parents divorced in 2015, beginning a years-long custody battle.
  • In 2020, McGeehan temporarily lost custody of Addi.
  • By 2024, the parents reached a joint custody agreement.
  • The mother and daughter were in Las Vegas for a cheerleading competition on February 18, 2026.

The players

Tawnia McGeehan

A 38-year-old Utah cheer mom who police say shot her 11-year-old daughter before turning the gun on herself inside a Las Vegas hotel room.

Addi Smith

The 11-year-old daughter of Tawnia McGeehan who was killed in the apparent murder-suicide.

Brad Smith

The ex-husband of Tawnia McGeehan and the father of Addi Smith, with whom he was locked in a years-long custody battle.

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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 systems and resources for families navigating complex custody battles, as well as the importance of addressing mental health concerns and potential warning signs before they escalate to devastating consequences.