Mother, Daughter Found Dead in Apparent Murder-Suicide at Rio Hotel and Casino

^{The Utah mother and daughter were in Las Vegas for a cheer competition before being found dead at the Rio. (Photo: Felipe Sanchez / Alamy)}

LAS VEGAS – Police are currently investigating an apparent murder-suicide involving a mom and daughter who were found dead Sunday in Las Vegas at the Rio Hotel & Casino.

Authorities identified the mother as Tawnia McGeehan, 38, and her daughter, Addi Smith, 11. The pair had traveled from Utah to Las Vegas for a cheer competition.

Family Reported Pair Missing After Cheer Competition

According to the Las Vegas Metro Police Department, officers were dispatched at around 10:45 a.m. on Sunday to the 3700 block of West Flamingo Road near South Valley View Boulevard, after receiving calls from concerned family members and friends.  The pair had traveled from Utah for a cheer competition but failed to appear at the event. 

A missing-persons post circulated on Facebook among family, friends, and members of the cheer community after they did not attend the scheduled competition. The two had been seen Saturday evening around 8 p.m. at New York-New York.

Hotel security initially investigated the room and knocked on the door, but received no response. After persistent calls regarding the pair later that day, hotel security returned and ultimately entered the room around 2:30 p.m. Both individuals were found unresponsive with apparent gunshot wounds. 

Security personnel called 911, and responding officers pronounced both dead at the scene. 

Police Confirm Murder-Suicide, Note Left Behind

During a press conference on Sunday, Lt. Robert Price said the incident is being investigated as a murder-suicide. The mother was reported to have left a note, though officials declined to elaborate on its contents.

“This is a sad and tragic incident, and our hearts go out to the family,” Price said.

Utah Extreme Cheer, based in Salt Lake City, confirmed Addi’s death in a social media post. The gym has cancelled its classes for the remainder of the week following the incident.

Court records show McGeehan had been granted majority custody of her daughter following a nine-year custody dispute. In the wake of the tragedy, the child’s father has created a GoFundMe campaign to help cover funeral expenses and cope with the loss.

Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

If you or someone you know is struggling with a mental health crisis, help is available 24/7 via the 988 Lifeline. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.