By Clara Wilson
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department continues to investigate a horrific act of violence that occurred over the weekend. Authorities confirmed on Monday that a mother fatally shot her daughter before taking her own life in a Las Vegas hotel room. This Las Vegas hotel shooting has left the local community and the victim’s hometown in Utah in a state of deep mourning. Police identified the deceased as 38-year-old Tawnia McGeehan and her 11-year-old daughter, Addi Smith. The two were staying at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino for a national cheerleading competition. Detectives discovered the bodies on Sunday afternoon after family members grew concerned. The initial evidence points toward a planned murder-suicide that occurred late Saturday night.
This tragedy represents one of the most distressing incidents in recent Las Vegas history. The Rio Hotel remains open, but the specific floor where the shooting occurred was cordoned off for several hours. Investigators spent most of Sunday and Monday morning gathering forensic evidence and interviewing witnesses. Furthermore, the Utah youth sports community is struggling to process the loss of a talented young athlete. Addi Smith was a member of the Utah Xtreme Cheer team. Her teammates were already in Nevada preparing for their performances when the news broke. Consequently, the organization has suspended all immediate activities to provide support to the surviving children.
Investigation into the Murder-Suicide at Rio Hotel
The Metropolitan Police Department first responded to the Rio Hotel following a request for a welfare check. At approximately 10:45 a.m. on Sunday, security and officers knocked on the door of the McGeehan suite. However, they received no response and did not notice any suspicious sounds or smells. At that time, they did not have legal grounds to force entry into the room. It was not until 2:30 p.m. that police returned to the scene. This second visit followed several more frantic calls from family members in Utah. When officers finally entered the room, they found a mother who fatally shot her daughter before taking her own life.
The crime scene provided several immediate clues for the investigators. Detectives found a handgun near the bodies, which they believe was the weapon used in the Las Vegas hotel shooting. Medical examiners believe the actual shooting took place several hours before the bodies were discovered. Specifically, they estimate the time of death was likely late Saturday evening. Interestingly, no other guests in the neighboring rooms reported hearing any gunshots. This suggests that the hotel’s wall construction successfully dampened the sound. Alternatively, the suspect may have used a pillow or other material to muffle the noise of the firearm.
The Impact on Utah Xtreme Cheer and the Community
The primary reason for the trip to Nevada was a major competition for Addi Smith’s cheerleading squad. The Utah Xtreme Cheer organization is well-known in the West Jordan area for its competitive spirit and family atmosphere. Consequently, the news that a mother fatally shot her daughter before taking her own life has devastated the group. Addi was a popular member of the team, known for her dedication and her constant smile. The team shared a public tribute on Facebook to honor her memory. They stated that Addi was an irreplaceable part of their family and would be missed forever.
Furthermore, other regional organizations have joined the mourning process. The Utah Fusion All-Stars and the Utah Cinderella Pageant also released statements of support. These groups emphasized that Addi was a “bright light” in the world of youth performance. Many of her peers are currently receiving counseling to help them understand the loss. In West Jordan, neighbors of Tawnia McGeehan described her as a devoted “cheer mom” who was always present at events. The sudden nature of the violence has left many wondering if there were warning signs that people missed. For now, the community is focusing on memorializing the young girl.
Forensic Evidence and the Recovered Suicide Note
The forensic investigation inside the hotel room was meticulous. Detectives recovered a suicide note at the scene, which they are currently analyzing for clues. While they have not disclosed the specific contents, they confirmed the note provides insight into McGeehan’s state of mind. They are also reviewing her digital footprint, including social media posts and text messages. They hope to determine if she planned the Las Vegas hotel shooting weeks in advance or if it was a spontaneous decision. This information is vital for the final police report.
The weapon used in the crime has also been sent for ballistic testing. Investigators want to know if the firearm was legally purchased and how it was transported into the hotel. Most Las Vegas resorts have strict policies regarding firearms on the property. However, detecting a small handgun in a personal suitcase is a difficult task for hotel security. The lack of witnesses has made the timeline reconstruction even more important. Police are currently checking hallway surveillance footage to see if anyone else entered or exited the room on Saturday. So far, all evidence suggests that McGeehan and Smith were alone during the final hours.
Editorial Analysis: The Hidden Pressure of Competitive Youth Sports
Based on recent studies regarding parental burnout and high-stakes athletics in 2026, this tragedy highlights a growing mental health crisis. When a mother fatally shot her daughter before taking her own life, it exposed the extreme psychological toll that competitive environments can have on struggling parents. The pressure to maintain a “perfect” image in the world of cheerleading and pageants often prevents individuals from seeking help. This Las Vegas hotel shooting demonstrates that the intense focus on a child’s success can sometimes mask a parent’s deep internal despair.
Furthermore, the isolation of a travel competition can amplify a person’s existing mental health struggles. Away from their support systems in Utah, McGeehan likely felt a heightened sense of finality. In 2026, the community must address the fact that “cheer culture” often demands a level of emotional labor that some parents cannot sustain. We must prioritize mental health screenings and support networks within these youth organizations. If we only focus on the scoreboard and the trophy, we risk ignoring the people who are struggling behind the scenes.
Moving Forward and Community Support Efforts
The city of West Jordan is currently preparing for a large-scale memorial service for Addi Smith. Local businesses have already started placing purple ribbons outside their stores to show support. Purple was reportedly Addi’s favorite color. Additionally, a fund has been established to help the surviving family members with the costs of bringing the bodies back to Utah. This logistical process is currently being coordinated with the Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office. The family has requested privacy as they navigate this unimaginable grief.
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department will likely close the case once the toxicology reports are completed. Because the perpetrator died at the scene, there will be no criminal trial. However, the department will release a full summary of their findings to the public in several weeks. For now, the Rio Hotel & Casino is cooperating fully with the authorities. They have expressed their deepest sympathies to the families involved in this tragedy. The Las Vegas hotel shooting will be remembered as a dark chapter for the resort and the youth sports community alike.
Stay updated with the [latest criminal investigations] at wfbnews.com. You can also read about the [Maple Valley death investigation] and the ongoing search for justice in that case.
