What happened to Addi Smith and her mother in Las Vegas?

Addi Smith, 11, was fatally shot by her mother, Tawnia McGeehan, in a Las Vegas hotel room. McGeehan then died by suicide.

What was the background of Tawnia McGeehan and Addi Smith?

Tawnia McGeehan and her daughter Addi were in Las Vegas for a cheerleading competition. The mother had been involved in a protracted custody dispute over Addi with her ex-husband.

Were there any other factors contributing to the tragedy?

Investigators are exploring a note found at the scene and reports that Tawnia McGeehan may have received hostile communications from other cheer moms.

Home / Crime and Justice / Mother Kills Daughter, Then Herself Amid Custody Battle

Mother Kills Daughter, Then Herself Amid Custody Battle

17 Feb

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Summary

A mother murdered her 11-year-old daughter before dying by suicide.
The tragedy occurred during a cheerleading competition trip.
The mother had a long, contentious custody dispute over the child.

Mother Kills Daughter, Then Herself Amid Custody Battle

A devastating murder-suicide unfolded in Las Vegas when a Utah mother, Tawnia McGeehan, fatally shot her 11-year-old daughter, Addi Smith, in their hotel room at the Rio Hotel and Casino. McGeehan subsequently died by suicide. The pair were in Las Vegas for a cheerleading competition.

This tragic event concluded a bitter custody battle that began in 2020 between McGeehan and her ex-husband, Brad Smith, over Addi. Court documents revealed McGeehan had previously lost custody due to attempting to alienate the child from her father.