UTAH MOM’S PRIOR DV FINDING AND SUPERVISED VISITS RAISE QUESTIONS IN TRAGIC MURDER-SUICIDE

The heartbreaking murder-suicide of 11-year-old Addi Smith and her mother, Tawnia McGeehan, in a Las Vegas hotel room has spotlighted a nearly decade-long, high-conflict custody battle in Utah family court. Court records reveal that despite a 2020 judicial finding of domestic abuse committed by McGeehan in the child’s presence—leading to temporary supervised visitation and loss of custody—the pair ultimately received joint legal and physical custody in a May 2024 order. This development has reignited debates about how family courts weigh past risk factors, including allegations of domestic violence (DV) and parental alienation, in determining child custody arrangements.

McGeehan, 38 (though some reports list her age as 34), and Addi’s father, Brad Smith, divorced in 2017 after proceedings initiated in 2015 in Utah’s 4th District Court. The case involved repeated disputes over custody, visitation, child support, school choices, and co-parenting dynamics. Addi, full name Addilyn Smith, was the couple’s only child from the marriage.

The 2024 Custody Order: Joint Custody and Decision-Making Authority

In a May 7, 2024, modification to the divorce decree, a judge awarded both parents joint legal and joint physical custody on a week-on, week-off schedule. The order deemed McGeehan and Smith “fit and proper persons” and aimed to minimize direct contact during handoffs—requiring public locations like school parking lots (with vehicles five spaces apart) or the Herriman Police Department at 9 a.m. when school was out. Communication was restricted to a court-approved app, and filming exchanges was prohibited.

Notably, McGeehan was granted presumptive decision-making authority over key aspects of Addi’s life, including education, health care, and religious upbringing. Smith retained the right to challenge her decisions in court if needed. This arrangement appeared to resolve years of litigation, with protocols designed to reduce conflict.

Earlier Court Findings: Domestic Abuse, Parental Alienation, and Supervised Visits

The 2024 order contrasted sharply with prior rulings. In a December 8, 2020, temporary order following a hearing, Family Court Commissioner Marian Ito found that McGeehan “has committed domestic abuse in the presence of the minor child.” The documents did not specify the victim or details of the incident but highlighted concerns about McGeehan’s co-parenting abilities, describing them as “seriously in question.”

The commissioner also noted McGeehan had subjected Addi to “behavior that is on the spectrum of parental alienation”—actions perceived as attempting to undermine Addi’s relationship with her father. Ito concluded that Smith demonstrated a better understanding of Addi’s “physical and emotional needs.”

As a result, in October 2020, a judge ordered McGeehan’s parenting time to be supervised. Three family members or friends were appointed to monitor visits at McGeehan’s expense, and Smith received temporary sole physical custody pending further review. A January 2021 hearing was set to reassess, though subsequent outcomes leading to the 2024 joint custody are not fully detailed in public summaries.

Additional context from records includes McGeehan facing custodial interference charges in 2018 (later dismissed) and filing back-to-back bankruptcies, which were referenced in filings.

McGeehan sought a temporary restraining order in 2021, alleging Addi’s stepmother (Brad Smith’s wife, McKennly) recorded custody exchanges—further illustrating ongoing tensions.

The Tragic Events in Las Vegas

McGeehan and Addi traveled from West Jordan, Utah, to Las Vegas for a JAMZ Nationals cheer competition with the Utah Xtreme Cheer team. Addi was in her first season, described as enthusiastic and talented. After failing to appear for events on Sunday, February 15, 2026, concerned teammates and family requested a welfare check at the Rio Hotel & Casino.

Las Vegas Metropolitan Police arrived around 10:45 a.m. but initially could not enter. Hotel security discovered the bodies around 2:30 p.m.: both had gunshot wounds, with a note found in the room (contents undisclosed). Authorities ruled it a murder-suicide, with McGeehan shooting Addi before herself, likely late Saturday night. The Clark County Coroner’s Office confirmed McGeehan’s death as suicide; Addi’s as homicide. The firearm had been purchased by McGeehan over a year earlier.

Renewed Scrutiny of Family Court Decisions

This case has prompted questions about family courts’ handling of high-conflict disputes involving DV allegations and parental alienation claims. Despite the 2020 findings—domestic abuse in the child’s presence and supervised visits—the 2024 order restored joint custody and gave McGeehan significant authority. Experts note that courts prioritize the child’s best interests, often favoring stability and parental involvement when risks appear mitigated, but critics argue past red flags warrant ongoing caution.

McGeehan’s mother, Connie, described her daughter as struggling with lifelong depression but improving recently. The cheer community reported parental tensions, including “mean” texts, but no direct link to the tragedy has been established.

Addi’s death has devastated the Utah Xtreme Cheer team and West Jordan neighbors. Tributes highlight her as bright and kind. A GoFundMe supports Brad Smith’s family amid unimaginable grief.

As investigations continue—reviewing communications, the note, and scene evidence—the focus remains on supporting grieving loved ones and reflecting on systemic safeguards in custody cases involving potential risk.

This tragedy underscores the devastating consequences of unresolved mental health and family conflicts. Resources like the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233) and mental health support are vital.