Paranoia and Pursuit: The Haunting Final Days of Tawnia McGeehan Amid a Bitter Custody War
In the weeks leading up to the tragic murder-suicide at a Las Vegas hotel, Tawnia McGeehan confided in an old friend about her growing fears. “She kept saying they were building a case against her,” the friend recounted in a poignant reflection on their last conversation. This sense of paranoia, fueled by years of acrimonious legal battles, culminated in heartbreak when McGeehan, 38, fatally shot her 11-year-old daughter, Addilyn “Addi” Smith, before taking her own life on February 16, 2026. Court records, meanwhile, confirm that Addi’s father, Brad Smith, had hired private investigators to track the young girl’s movements during the custody dispute, adding layers of surveillance and suspicion to an already toxic family dynamic. This article examines the escalating tensions, the protracted custody fight, McGeehan’s mental health struggles, and the community’s response, drawing from court documents, police reports, and statements from those close to the family.
The Tragic Discovery: A Cheer Competition Overshadowed by Death
The Rio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, a venue buzzing with energy from the JAMZ Nationals cheer competition, became the scene of unimaginable grief on February 16, 2026. Tawnia McGeehan and her daughter Addi had traveled from West Jordan, Utah, for the event, where Addi was set to perform with her Utah Xtreme Cheer (UXC) team. When the pair failed to appear, concern mounted. Addi’s stepmother, McKennly Smith, posted a desperate plea on social media: “My daughter Addi and her mom are missing please share post and call or text with any information thank you!”
Hotel staff conducted a welfare check around 4 p.m., discovering the bodies in their room. The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department classified the incident as a murder-suicide: McGeehan had shot Addi before turning the gun on herself. A note was found at the scene, though its contents remain undisclosed. The Clark County Coroner’s Office ruled Addi’s death a homicide and McGeehan’s a suicide. Investigators believe the shooting occurred late Saturday, February 15, just before the competition began.
Addi, remembered as a “bright light” with an “infectious energy,” was a talented cheerleader whose absence sent shockwaves through the UXC community. The team paused practices to mourn, issuing a statement: “We are completely heartbroken. No words do the situation justice. She was so beyond loved.” Vigils in West Jordan honored Addi’s spirit, with teammates sharing stories of her kindness and dedication.
The Custody Battle: Nine Years of Conflict and Court Interventions
At the heart of this tragedy lies a nine-year custody war between McGeehan and Brad Smith, which began with their 2015 divorce filing and finalized in 2017. Initial temporary orders granted McGeehan primary physical custody, with Smith receiving parenting time and joint legal custody. However, the arrangement unraveled amid allegations of misconduct.
By December 2020, Commissioner Marian Ito awarded Smith temporary sole physical custody, citing McGeehan’s “behavior on the spectrum of parental alienation” and an act of domestic abuse committed in Addi’s presence. Ito noted McGeehan’s parenting ability was “seriously in question” and relegated her to supervised visitation, appointing three family members and friends as monitors. A custody evaluator was tasked with investigating the family dynamics. This shift highlighted concerns over McGeehan’s influence on Addi.
Tensions persisted. In 2021, McGeehan sought a restraining order against McKennly Smith, alleging she recorded custody exchanges in violation of court rules. This incident underscored the surveillance elements in the dispute. Court records further reveal Brad Smith hired private investigators to monitor Addi’s movements, ostensibly to build evidence for his custody claims. Such tactics, while legal in custody cases, contributed to McGeehan’s reported paranoia.
By May 2024, the court modified the decree, awarding joint legal and physical custody on a week-on, week-off basis. Strict protocols minimized conflict: exchanges at school or police stations, parents parking five spots apart, no filming, no disparaging remarks, and communication via the Our Family Wizard app for emergencies only. McGeehan retained presumptive decision-making authority over major issues, with Smith able to challenge via court. Despite these safeguards, financial strains lingered; Smith owed over $9,600 in child support.
McGeehan’s legal history included custodial interference charges in 2018 (later dismissed) and brushes with the law post-divorce. She had also lost custody of a son from a prior relationship, pointing to patterns of instability.
McGeehan’s Struggles: Depression, Mean Texts, and Paranoia
Sources close to McGeehan describe a woman plagued by lifelong depression, exacerbated by the custody fight. Her mother, Connie McGeehan, told reporters Tawnia seemed to be “turning a corner” after the 2024 resolution, appearing in good spirits before the trip. She had prepared gifts for the team and posted joyful photos. Yet, Connie speculated something triggered a spiral the day before the deaths.
Adding to her distress were “mean texts” from other cheer moms, blaming Addi for team issues like a dropped stunt. “There’s one or two ladies that she never got along with and it got really bad a month ago,” Connie said. UXC owner Kory Uyetake confirmed “comments back and forth” and a recent confrontation. These interactions may have intensified McGeehan’s isolation.
The old friend’s recollection of McGeehan’s fears—”they were building a case against her”—aligns with the investigative efforts in the custody battle. The private investigators hired by Smith to track Addi’s activities likely amplified her sense of being pursued. McGeehan had purchased the gun used in the shooting over a year earlier, raising questions about her mental state.
Family Dynamics: Roles of Brad and McKennly Smith
Brad Smith, Addi’s father, has remained largely silent, issuing a statement through family expressing devastation. His court record includes a 2023 DUI and child support liens. McKennly, married to Brad in 2020, portrayed herself as a devoted stepmother on social media, often calling Addi “my daughter.” Her involvement drew ire; McGeehan’s 2021 restraining order accused her of recording exchanges.
Post-tragedy, McKennly’s “I warned her” comment to the press implied foresight into McGeehan’s instability. An email she sent 48 hours before the trip, titled “Custody Changes Everything,” discussed potential schedule shifts and concerns for Addi’s well-being.
Community and Systemic Reflections: Calls for Reform
West Jordan and the cheer community grieve deeply. UXC’s tribute emphasized Addi’s impact, while vigils focused on her legacy. Social media reflects outrage and sorrow, with discussions on parental alienation and mental health.
The case exposes family court flaws: despite red flags, McGeehan regained custody. Experts advocate for robust mental health evaluations and early interventions in high-conflict cases. The use of private investigators highlights how surveillance can escalate paranoia.
As investigations conclude, Addi’s story urges systemic change to safeguard children amid parental strife. McGeehan’s final fears and the tragic outcome serve as a stark warning.
