The bright lights and high-energy atmosphere of anational cheerleading competitionin Las Vegas were replaced by a grim silence this week when what was intended to be a weekend of athletic achievement for 11-year-old Addi Smith ended in an unimaginable scene inside a hotel room. The mother and daughter had travelled from Utah for the event but failed to appear for scheduled activities, prompting a welfare check that led to the discovery of both bodies.
Authorities were called after Addi and her mother, 38-year-old Tawnia McGeehan, were reported missing. After several attempts, officers entered their room at the Rio Hotel & Casino and found both deceased. Las Vegas Metropolitan Police have since confirmed the incident as a murder-suicide, with investigators believing McGeehan shot her daughter before taking her own life.
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police received a welfare check request for Addi and McGeehan after they didn't show up at a cheerleading competition where Addi was expected to participate. Utah Extreme Cheer, the athletic organisation Addi represented, and Addi's stepmother, McKennly Smith, also shared about the mother and daughter going missing on social media.
Authorities and Rio Hotel & Casino security went to their room at 10:45 am on Sunday, 15 February, and knocked multiple times, but there was no response. At the time, they didn't think there was enough information to enter the room without permission. Addi and McGeehan's family and friends remained concerned, as they still hadn't heard from either of them. At around 2:30 pm, the Rio security entered the room after knocking numerous times without response.
When they entered the room, they discovered Addi and McGeehan's lifeless bodies. Police immediately responded, and a homicide investigation began,the Independentreported.
Utah Xtreme Cheer announced Addi's passing on Facebook and paid tribute to the young talent. 'With the heaviest hearts, we share the devastating news that our sweet athlete Addi has passed away,' the announcementread. '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.'
With the heaviest hearts, we share the devastating news that our sweet athlete Addi has passed away. We are completely heartbroken. No words do the situation justice. She was so beyond loved, and...
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department has since shifted its focus to the timeline of events leading up to the deaths. According to investigators, the tragedy likely unfolded late on Saturday night, several hours before the bodies were found. A suspected suicide note was recovered from the scene,TMZreported.
Lieutenant Robert Price spoke with reporters on Sunday evening and confirmed themurder-suicide incident. 'At some time last night, the mother shot her daughter and then shot herself,' Pricesaid. 'This is a sad and tragic incident, and our hearts go out to the family.'
Price added that 'any type of child death' is 'sad' and that the mother's motive in the murder-suicide remained unknown. The authorities chose not to disclose the content of the note found at the scene.
Source: International Business Times UK
