Morning of Worry Turns to Multiple 911 Calls (Image Credits: Unsplash)
Las Vegas – A Utah father’s repeated pleas for police to check on his young daughter and ex-wife unfolded just hours before authorities uncovered their bodies in a Rio Hotel & Casino room.[1][2]
Morning of Worry Turns to Multiple 911 Calls
Bradley Smith grew alarmed when his 11-year-old daughter, Addi Smith, and her mother, Tawnia McGeehan, failed to appear at a cheerleading competition.[2] He placed the first call to Las Vegas police shortly after 10:30 a.m. on February 15, 2026.
“I’m trying to figure out where my daughter and her mom is,” Smith told the dispatcher. “They were supposed to be at a dance competition this morning. They didn’t show up. People went to their hotel room, they’re not answering the door.”[2] He added that he had spoken with them the previous day and everything seemed fine.
Concern mounted quickly. Addi’s cheer coach called at 11:18 a.m., noting McGeehan lacked full custody and expressing fears for the child’s safety.[2] Nine minutes later, the coach followed up, stating Addi was “possibly in imminent danger.”
Smith’s wife then dialed 911 at 11:36 a.m., pressing for urgency. “We really believe something might be really wrong,” she said. “So do the coaches.”[2]
Officers Respond but Leave After Brief Check
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police officers arrived at the Rio Hotel & Casino room soon after the initial call.[1] They knocked repeatedly and called out, but received no answer.
Police contacted Bradley Smith, who indicated he did not believe Addi was in danger. “She should be safe with her mom,” he told them, according to the police report.[1] The officers departed the scene.
Hotel security kept watch amid ongoing concerns from the family and coaches. The pair had traveled from West Jordan, Utah, for the cheer event, where Addi competed with Utah Xtreme Cheer.[3]
Long History of Custody Battles and Legal Troubles
Smith and McGeehan divorced around 2017 after a contentious split marked by disputes over custody and support.[4] McGeehan faced multiple charges related to custodial interference between 2017 and 2020.
- June 2017: Two counts of custodial interference; pleaded guilty via plea in abeyance, later dismissed.
- August 2018: Attempted custodial interference; convicted of lesser charge, received probation.
- June 2020: Custodial interference charge dismissed.
- August 2020: Electronic harassment with domestic violence enhancement; convicted of disturbing the peace.
A December 2020 court order granted Smith temporary sole custody. It cited McGeehan’s domestic abuse in Addi’s presence and parental alienation efforts.[4] Supervised visits followed for McGeehan.
Joint legal and physical custody emerged in 2024, with a week-on, week-off schedule.[1]
Grim Hotel Discovery Shocks Community
Around 2:30 p.m., hotel security entered the room after a note on the door raised alarms.[2] They found Addi and McGeehan dead from apparent gunshot wounds.
Police ruled it a murder-suicide: McGeehan shot her daughter before turning the gun on herself. A suicide note was present, and investigators believe the shooting occurred late on February 14.[1]
Addi’s cheer team paused practices in mourning. Coach Emily Morgan remembered her as dedicated: “She took a lot of pride in what she was doing.”[3]
Key Takeaways
- Multiple 911 calls highlighted custody concerns before the welfare check.
- Police left after father’s reassurance, delaying entry by hours.
- Years of legal battles preceded the 2024 joint custody arrangement.
This devastating case underscores the complexities of fractured families and the critical timing in welfare responses. As investigations continue, the cheer community honors Addi’s bright spirit. What steps can prevent such tragedies? Share your thoughts in the comments.