by Las Vegas, Nevada – A mother and her young daughter who traveled to Las Vegas for a cheer competition were found dead inside a hotel room Sunday in what police describe as an apparent murder-suicide.
According to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD), officers were dispatched around 10:45 a.m. Sunday to the Rio Hotel & Casino on West Flamingo Road for a welfare check after the pair failed to show up for a scheduled event.
Lt. Robert Price confirmed during a press conference that investigators believe the mother shot her daughter before taking her own life.
“There was a note left,” Price said. “The mother shot her daughter and then shot herself.”
Welfare check led to discovery
Police said officers and hotel security initially responded to the room and knocked several times while also attempting to contact the occupants by phone. At that time, there were no clear signs of danger, and officers cleared the call.
However, additional concerns from family members and cheer officials prompted hotel security to return to the room later that afternoon.
“At approximately 2:30 p.m., security went back up to the room,” Price said. “When they entered the room, they located two deceased females.”
Both were pronounced dead at the scene.
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Authorities have not publicly released the daughter’s exact age, describing her only as a pre-teen.
Identified by family and cheer community
Family members and cheer officials identified the victims as Tawnia McGeehan and her daughter Addi Smith, who were visiting Las Vegas for a competition.
Addi was a member of Utah Xtreme Cheer, which shared a message of heartbreak on social media.
“With the heaviest hearts, we share the devastating news that our sweet athlete Addi has passed away,” the team wrote. “We are completely heartbroken. No words do the situation justice.”
Cheer organizations across the country also expressed condolences, offering prayers and support to the family and team community.
Social media posts from Utah Xtreme Cheer show the team competing Saturday during “Day 1” of the event.
No signs of disturbance reported
Police said no neighbors in adjacent hotel rooms reported hearing arguing or fighting prior to the discovery.
Investigators confirmed that a note was found in the room, but the contents have not been released. Authorities say determining a motive remains part of the ongoing investigation.
“That’s still part of our investigation,” Price said when asked about what may have led to the incident.
Investigation ongoing
Detectives with the LVMPD Homicide Section continue to review evidence and circumstances surrounding the deaths. Anyone with information is asked to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section.
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of self-harm, help is available by calling or texting 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7.
Community members are encouraged to share condolences respectfully in the comments below.
