Home / Crime and Justice / Mother Kills Daughter, Then Herself Amid Custody Battle
Mother Kills Daughter, Then Herself Amid Custody Battle
17 Feb
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.
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.
In 2024, a custody agreement granting joint legal and physical custody was approved by the court. Despite this resolution, McGeehan and Addi's lives ended just days before the competition on February 14th, with their bodies discovered on February 15th.
Investigators are examining a note found at the scene and reports suggesting McGeehan faced harassment from other cheer moms regarding Addi's performance. While McGeehan reportedly struggled with depression, her mother noted improvements after regaining custody. The Utah Xtreme Cheer team owner acknowledged some 'comments back and forth' between McGeehan and other mothers.
