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Utah Mother and 11-Year-Old Found Dead at Las Vegas Hotel in Apparent Murder-Suicide

Detectives continue to investigate after recovering a note at the scene.

Overview

  • Police say preliminary evidence indicates the mother shot her daughter Saturday night before killing herself inside a room at the Rio Hotel & Casino.
  • Officers responded to a 10:45 a.m. Sunday welfare check but left without entering; hotel security entered around 2:27–2:30 p.m. and found both deceased.
  • The victims, identified by news reports and their team as Tawnia McGeehan, 38, and her daughter, Addi Smith, 11, had traveled from Utah for a cheer and dance competition.
  • Utah Xtreme Cheer reported the pair missing earlier Sunday and later confirmed Addi’s death in a public statement.
  • The county medical examiner ruled McGeehan’s death a suicide by gunshot, the child’s cause and manner are pending, and police have not disclosed a motive.