From New York Post · · 1m
Utah Cheerleader Dies After Mother's Murder-Suicide
11-year-old cheerleader found dead with mother in Las Vegas hotel room after mother killed her in murder-suicide
In brief
11-year-old cheerleader found dead with mother in Las Vegas hotel room after mother killed her in murder-suicide Mother Tawnia McGeehan killed 11-year-old Addilyn Smith in a murder-suicide after years of custody disputes and mental health struggles Originally reported by New York Post.
Dead in hotel room
Las Vegas police found Addilyn Smith and her 34-year-old mother Tawnia McGeehan dead in a hotel room on Feb 15.
“Call 911 before walking in. Two dead bodies and one is an 11-year-old”
Cheer competition trip
The girls traveled to Las Vegas for a cheer competition from West Jordan, Utah.
Handwritten suicide notes
McGeehan left suicide notes including one taped to a chair that read: 'Call 911 before walking in. Two dead bodies and one is an 11-year-old.'
“Call 911 before walking in. Two dead bodies and one is an 11-year-old”
Drug overdose
Both women had ingested quetiapine, gabapentin, lorazepam, diphenhydramine, and other drugs before the shooting.
Custody battle
McGeehan and her ex-husband had a nine-year custody dispute over Addilyn before the deaths.
Mental health crisis
McGeehan had a history of severe depression and past suicidal thoughts before the incident.
The short version
Mother Tawnia McGeehan killed 11-year-old Addilyn Smith in a murder-suicide after years of custody disputes and mental health struggles
