According to the New York Post, a mother allegedly fatally shot her young daughter inside a Las Vegas hotel room before turning the gun on herself in what authorities are investigating as a murder-suicide.
The bodies were discovered Sunday at the Rio Hotel & Casino after the pair failed to appear at a scheduled cheerleading competition. Police said officers and hotel security first responded to the room around 10:45 a.m. for a welfare check but left after repeated knocks went unanswered. Hours later — following additional pleas from concerned family members — authorities returned and made the grim discovery.
Investigators confirmed the mother and daughter had traveled to Las Vegas for the cheer event but initially did not release their names. Earlier, Utah Xtreme Cheer had posted that team member Addi Smith and her mother, Tawnia McGeehan, were missing while in Las Vegas for the competition. The team later announced that Addi, a pre-teen from Salt Lake City, had died.
The Cheer Team wrote,
“Police believe the mother, described only as being in her 30s, shot her daughter late Saturday before taking her own life. A note was found inside the hotel room, though authorities have not disclosed its contents. Homicide detectives continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
It remains unclear whether any hotel guests heard or reported gunfire. The New York Post reported that police have not yet provided additional details.
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, help is available. In New York City, call 1-888-NYC-WELL for free, confidential support. Nationwide, you can dial or text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org for 24/7 assistance.
