Tragic Discovery at the Rio Hotel (Image Credits: Unsplash)
Las Vegas – A Utah woman fatally shot her 11-year-old daughter in their hotel room before taking her own life, police determined, amid revelations of a protracted family court dispute.[1][2]
Tragic Discovery at the Rio Hotel
The bodies of Tawnia McGeehan, 38, and her daughter Addi Smith turned up Sunday afternoon inside a room at the Rio Hotel & Casino near the Las Vegas Strip. Las Vegas Metropolitan Police launched a homicide probe after hotel security entered following unanswered welfare checks.
Officers had responded earlier that morning around 10:45 a.m. to concerns from Addi’s cheer team. They knocked repeatedly and called into the room but received no reply. Without signs of trouble, they notified security and departed. Security returned about 2:30 p.m. after more family outreach and found the pair deceased.[1]
Investigators concluded McGeehan shot Smith late Saturday night, then herself. A note lay in the room, though its details stayed private. No shots drew public notice, and no motive surfaced publicly.[3]
Cheer Competition Absence Sparks Alarm
McGeehan and Smith had journeyed from West Jordan, Utah, for the JAMZ Nationals cheer event. Smith competed with Utah Xtreme Cheer, but neither appeared Saturday or Sunday morning. The team posted pleas online and alerted authorities.[3]
Coach Kory Uyetake called Smith a standout: an indefatigable worker, team motivator, and natural leader who followed instructions without gripe. The squad canceled sessions for the week and arranged grief support. JAMZ organizers held a moment of silence at the Orleans Arena.[3]
Digital flyers with their photos circulated widely among the cheer community before confirmation of the deaths.
Protracted Custody Conflict Emerges
Court files from Utah’s Provo District Court chronicled a nine-year feud between McGeehan and ex-husband Bradley Smith, Addi’s father. Their 2015 divorce sparked ongoing clashes documented in hundreds of filings, many sealed.
Initial orders placed Smith primarily with McGeehan under joint terms. Tension escalated. In 2020, a judge granted Smith temporary sole custody, citing McGeehan’s parental alienation efforts and domestic abuse witnessed by the child. McGeehan sought a restraining order against Smith’s second wife, McKennly, in 2021 over alleged recording of exchanges.[1][4]
By May 2024, terms stabilized at joint legal and physical custody – one week per parent. Protocols proved rigid:
- School-day handoffs: Parents parked five spaces apart; Smith walked solo between vehicles.
- Non-school Mondays: Meet at Herriman Police Department at 9 a.m.
- No filming exchanges or approaching at school events.
- Required use of Family Wizard app for schedules, events, and emergencies only.
- Scheduled FaceTime: Tuesdays and Fridays at 6 p.m., 15 minutes each.
- Orders to foster positive ties and shield Smith from conflicts.
Smith owed over $9,600 in support arrears as of early 2024.[2][4]
Mourning a Vibrant Young Life
West Jordan neighbors tied blue ribbons on trees Monday evening in solidarity. They recalled Smith cartwheeling in yards and beaming on school walks. “Absolute shock and disbelief,” said resident Alison Johnson.
UxC issued a statement: “We are completely heartbroken… She was so beyond loved, and she will always be a part of the UXC family.”[5][1]
Key Takeaways
- Apparent murder-suicide occurred during a cheer trip; note found at scene.
- Nine-year custody war featured alienation findings, strict handoff rules.
- Community rallies with tributes, counseling for Smith’s teammates.
This devastating case underscores the toll of unrelenting family strife. As investigations wrap up, questions linger on prevention amid such documented turmoil. What do you think about the role of prolonged custody battles in family tragedies? Tell us in the comments.
