Police in Las Vegas have confirmed a tragic murder-suicide at the Rio Hotel & Casino, where a mother described as a 'dance mom' shot her pre-teen cheerleader daughter before turning the gun on herself. The grim discovery was made on Sunday after authorities responded to welfare concerns.
Bodies Found After Welfare Check
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department officers received a welfare check call on Sunday morning regarding a room at the Rio Hotel & Casino. Upon arrival, they knocked on the door and called into the room for over fifteen minutes without receiving any response, prompting them to leave the scene initially.
Later that afternoon, hotel security personnel went to the room after receiving calls from family members of the occupants. After similarly failing to get a response, security decided to enter the room, where they discovered the bodies of a woman and a young girl.
Identities Linked to Missing Persons Case
While official confirmation of identities is pending, multiple Utah news outlets including KUTV and Fox 13 have linked the victims to 38-year-old Tawnia McGeehan and her daughter Addi Smith. The mother and daughter had been reported missing on February 14 after traveling to Las Vegas for a dance competition.
Investigators have described the young victim only as a 'pre-teen,' though her exact age remains unclear. Police confirmed the mother shot her daughter before shooting herself, adding that no reports of gunshots were received prior to the discovery.
Cheer Community Mourns Young Athlete
Shortly after Las Vegas officials announced the deaths, Utah Xtreme Cheer, the cheerleading troupe with which Addi Smith was associated, shared a heartbreaking tribute on social media. 'With the heaviest hearts, we share the devastating news that our sweet athlete Addi has passed away,' the organization wrote.
'We are completely heartbroken. No words do the situation justice. She was so beyond loved, and she will always be a part of the UXC family,' the statement continued. 'Please keep her family in your thoughts and prayers and continue to send them love as they navigate this unimaginable loss.'
Additional Tributes from Dance Community
Utah Fusion All-Stars, another cheer and dance organization, also paid tribute to Addi Smith, describing her as a former athlete who was 'absolutely loved' in their gym. 'She will always be remembered for her sweet smile and light that she brought to her teams and to our gym,' their statement read.
Both organizations requested privacy for the family during this difficult time and expressed their profound grief at the loss of the young cheerleader.
Investigation Continues with Note Found
Police revealed that a note was discovered in the hotel room, though its contents have not been made public as the investigation continues. Authorities are treating the case as a murder-suicide and are working to piece together the events leading up to the tragedy.
The Rio Hotel & Casino, a prominent resort on the Las Vegas Strip, has become the scene of this devastating incident that has shocked both the local community and the competitive dance world. Family members had grown concerned when they couldn't reach the mother and daughter, prompting the welfare checks that ultimately led to the discovery.
