Authorities in Las Vegas are investigating an ongoing murder-suicide case of a Utah mother and child. The pair were found dead inside a hotel room during a trip for a youth cheerleading competition, officials confirmed.
Details Emerge in the Murder Suicide Case in Las Vegas
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department said officers responded to a report of two unresponsive persons at the Rio Hotel and Casino on the Las Vegas Strip. Inside the room, they discovered 44-year-old Tawnia McGeehan and her 7-year-old daughter, Addi Smith, both deceased.
Police revealed that preliminary findings indicate the case appears to be a murder-suicide. Investigators believe the mother fatally shot her daughter before taking her own life. Authorities emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing pending autopsy results from the Clark County coroner.
The pair had traveled from Utah to Las Vegas to attend a scheduled cheerleading competition. Officials said they were reported missing after failing to appear at the event, prompting concern from family members and event organizers.
Timeline Leading to the Discovery
Leading up to the investigations on the murder-suicide case, McGeehan and her preteen daughter had failed to show up for their scheduled cheer event on Sunday, February 15. This prompted the hotel workers to alert LVMPD for a welfare check at 10:45 am. This was also the authorities’ initial attempt at reaching the duo.
Las Vegas police arrived at the location and joined hotel security in checking on the mother-daughter duo. They knocked on the door several times and got no response. However, the police did not attempt to open the door because there were insufficient legal grounds.
Family members had reportedly attempted to reach the mother before the discovery. When communication ceased and the pair missed scheduled activities, alarms were raised. Concerned individuals shared several flyers online indicating that McGeehan and Smith were missing. Officials did not disclose whether the family had previously reported any concerns to law enforcement.
Investigators have not released details about how long the mother and child had been in the room prior to the discovery. However, police confirmed there were no signs of forced entry, suggesting no additional suspects are being sought.
Community Reaction to the Tragedy
News of the tragedy has prompted an outpouring of grief in the family’s home community. Addi Smith’s cheer group, Utah Xtreme Cheer, reacted to the heartbreaking development on social media, sharing a profound message. “With the heaviest of hearts, we share the devastating news that our sweet athlete Addi has passed away,” the statement began.
We are completely heartbroken. No words do the situation justice. She was so beyond loved, and she will always be a part of the UXC family,” the post read. More tributes poured in from the Utah cheer community, with individuals and groups expressing condolences. Las Vegas police Lieutenant Robert Price called the murder-suicide “a sad and tragic incident” while sending heartfelt condolences to the family.
