Tawnia McGeehan shoots herself and 11‑year‑old Addi in Vegas hotel

Tawnia McGeehan and her 11‑year‑old daughter Addi Smith were found dead in a room at the Rio Hotel in Las Vegas on February 2026, after an alleged murder‑suicide that unfolded while the family was in town for a cheerleading competition.

Police report the deaths were caused by gunshot wounds to the head, and both bodies were discovered with suicide notes left by each party.

The Clark County Medical Examiner’s report lists gunshot wounds to the head as the cause of death for both McGeehan and Smith. Officers noted that McGeehan’s ex‑husband had called for a welfare check after failing to reach the mother and daughter in February.

When staff at the Rio Hotel entered the room, they found a note warning, “Call 911 before walking in. Two dead bodies and one is an 11‑year‑old.” Inside, they uncovered two suicide notes—one of which stated that Smith had been “heavily medicated” beforehand.

## Background & Context

The examination revealed that McGeehan’s body contained multiple prescription medications, including drugs commonly used for depression, insomnia, and anxiety. The report also identified an open package of THC cannabis gummies, bottles of over‑the‑counter sleep aids, and broken gabapentin capsules.

Investigators noted a clear cup with white residue near the trash can, cartridge casings scattered on the floor, and a Ruger handgun recovered from the scene. The autopsy also detected positive test results for medications associated with mental health conditions.

The filing stated that McGeehan had a documented history of severe depression and had previously been prescribed antidepressants. Officers recorded that she had “reportedly been severely depressed over breakups and an ongoing custody battle with her ex‑husband,” yet there was no record of prior suicide attempts.

The case was reported to the Clark County Medical Examiner as a double homicide with an apparent suicide component. Officers noted that the note found outside the room warned of two dead bodies and specifically identified one victim as an 11‑year‑old, indicating that both parties had already taken their own lives before police arrival.

## Investigation Findings

The Clark County Medical Examiner report documents that both victims died from gunshot wounds to the head, confirming a murder‑suicide scenario. The presence of prescription drugs and THC gummies suggests that McGeehan may have been attempting to manage multiple health issues before the fatal act.

Police recovered a Ruger handgun, cartridge casings, and evidence of medication use, including broken gabapentin capsules and a clear cup with white residue near the trash can. The report also noted suicide notes left by both McGeehan and her daughter.

An officer’s observation that McGeehan had been “reportedly severely depressed over breakups and an ongoing custody battle with her ex‑husband” provides context for the mental state of the mother. No further statements from family or attorneys were available in the report.

The investigation into the deaths of Tawnia McGeehan and Addi Smith remains ongoing, with authorities examining the circumstances that led to the tragic outcome.