Las Vegas – Father’s Frantic 911 Calls Preceded Murder-Suicide of Utah Cheerleader and Mom

A Desperate Plea Unheeded (Image Credits: Unsplash)

Las Vegas Metropolitan Police released 911 recordings that captured a Utah father’s growing alarm over his missing daughter and her mother at a Rio hotel room, mere hours before authorities discovered their bodies in an apparent murder-suicide.[1]

A Desperate Plea Unheeded

The father’s voice trembled with urgency shortly after 10:30 a.m. on Saturday when he dialed 911 from Utah. He explained that his daughter’s cheer coach had alerted him because neither the girl nor her mother appeared for a scheduled competition.[1]

“I’m trying to figure out where my daughter and her mom is,” he told the operator. “They were supposed to be at a dance competition this morning. They didn’t show up. People went to their hotel room, they’re not answering the door. They’re not answering messages or even seeing the messages. It’s very strange.”[1] Officers later knocked at the Rio room that morning alongside hotel security, but received no response. With no signs of immediate danger, they departed.[2]

That call marked one of several welfare check requests Metro fielded that weekend. The recordings, released publicly, underscored the father’s helplessness from afar.

Tragic Discovery at the Rio

Hotel security returned Sunday afternoon after more concerned contacts. Around 2:30 p.m., they entered Room whatever-number-not-specified and found 11-year-old Addilyn Smith and her 34-year-old mother, Tawnia McGeehan, unresponsive.[2][3]

Medical personnel pronounced both dead at the scene. Homicide detectives ruled McGeehan shot her daughter before turning the gun on herself. The Clark County coroner later confirmed McGeehan’s death as suicide by gunshot wound; Addilyn’s as homicide.[2]

Metro Lt. Robert Price described the scene during a briefing. The pair had traveled from West Jordan, Utah, for Addilyn’s cheer event with the Utah Xtreme team. A note remained at the room, though details stayed under wraps.

Years of Custody Conflict

Court records from Utah’s 4th District Court in Provo revealed a protracted battle between McGeehan and ex-husband Bradley Smith, Addilyn’s father. Their 2017 divorce sparked repeated modifications over parenting time and decision-making.

In May 2020, a judge temporarily awarded custody to Smith after finding McGeehan had alienated the child and committed domestic abuse in her presence. McGeehan filed a 2021 restraining order alleging Smith’s new wife recorded custody exchanges, breaching agreements.[3]

By May 2024, they settled on joint legal and physical custody with a week-on, week-off schedule. Strict protocols governed handoffs:

• Exchanges at school or Herriman Police Department, parents parking five stalls apart.
• No filming or recording during transitions; child walks independently to the other car.
• Parents must speak positively of each other and avoid legal talk around Addilyn.
• Attendance allowed at events but no direct interaction between adults.

These measures aimed to shield Addilyn from ongoing strife.[4]

Cheer Community in Mourning

Addilyn competed as a beloved member of Utah Xtreme Cheer. Her absence Saturday prompted the coach’s outreach to Smith, igniting the welfare checks. The team later shared their devastation online, calling her irreplaceable.[3]

The Las Vegas trip meant to celebrate her passion ended in unthinkable loss. Authorities withheld a motive, but the custody history loomed large in reports. Metro continued investigating as of late last week.

This heartbreaking case exposed vulnerabilities in family dynamics and response protocols. As details emerge, it prompts reflection on support for strained households. What are your thoughts on balancing custody protections with child safety? Share in the comments.