Published on: February 17, 2026, at 11:21h.
Updated on: February 17, 2026, at 11:26h.
- A tragic murder-suicide at the Rio in Las Vegas follows a long-standing custody battle, per court documents.
- Hotel security found the deceased bodies of 38-year-old Tawnia McGeehan and her 11-year-old daughter, Addi, after they did not show for a national cheer event.
- Authorities suspect that McGeehan shot her daughter before taking her own life.
In a heartbreaking incident, 38-year-old Tawnia McGeehan is believed to have fatally shot her 11-year-old daughter, Addi Smith, inside a Las Vegas hotel room before taking her own life. This tragic event was linked to a protracted child custody dispute, as detailed in court documents acquired by TMZ and KLAS-TV/Las Vegas.
Reports indicate that custody orders from 2015 initially granted McGeehan primary physical custody, while her ex-partner, Bradley Smith, retained joint legal rights. This arrangement faced numerous challenges, including allegations of “custodial interference” against McGeehan that were ultimately dismissed.
By 2020, the court’s stance changed as a judge noted McGeehan’s behavior reflected potential “parental alienation,” and allegations of domestic abuse emerged. Consequently, sole custody was temporarily awarded to Smith, attributed to his better grasp of the child’s needs.
The litigation persisted into 2021, with McGeehan requesting a restraining order over claims of being recorded during custodial exchanges. A semblance of peace returned by 2024, establishing a shared “week-on, week-off” custody schedule.
Devastating Outcome
McGeehan and Addi had traveled from Utah to Las Vegas for the JAMZ Nationals cheer competition. Concerns began to surface on the morning of February 15, 2026, when Addi did not show for her scheduled performance with her team, Utah Xtreme Cheer.
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police conducted a welfare check at the Rio Hotel & Casino around 10:45 a.m. After receiving no reply, officers left the scene due to insufficient legal grounds for forced entry. However, after persistent requests from family and friends, security staff returned at 2:30 p.m. to discover the tragic scene of McGeehan and Addi’s bodies.
Investigators believe the incident transpired late Saturday night, with McGeehan allegedly shooting her daughter before taking her own life. A suicide note was found at the location, though its details remain undisclosed.
The cheerleading community paid tribute to Addi with a moment of silence at the Orleans Arena, a gesture that was shared on JAMZ Cheer and Dance’s social media platforms.
A GoFundMe campaign has since gained significant attention, featuring an altered image of Addi where her mother has been digitally removed, symbolizing the community’s struggle to separate the victim from the accused.