Tawnia McGeehan and her daughter Addi Smith were found dead with gunshot wounds in a hotel room and but the motive for the double shooting is under investigation
Police have said a mum shot her daughter dead before turning the gun on herself in a hotel room.
Authorities in Las Vegas, Nevada were looking for Tawnia McGeehan and her daughter Addi Smith after they did not pitch for the girl’s cheerleading competition over the weekend.
The two were later found dead with gunshot wounds in their room at the Rio Hotel and Casino in the city. A note was also discovered.
Speaking to reporters, Police Lieutenant Robert Price of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, said: “This is a sad and tragic incident, and our hearts go out to the family.”
He said a motive for the killing is under investigation.
Police said that officers received a request for a welfare check just before 11am on Sunday.
“Patrol officers along with security personnel for the property attempted to contact the two,” a police press release read.
“Officers knocked on the door and called into the room several times but did not get a response.”
The press release added that based on the details at the time, there was no belief that either was in danger. Hotel security received additional requests to check on the two and entered their room around 2.27pm.
Tawnia and Addi were found unresponsive and security called 911. Both suffered from apparent gunshot wounds and were pronounced dead at the scene.
“Based on the preliminary evidence at the scene, detectives were able to determine the mother shot her daughter before shooting herself,” the statement continued.
Utah Xtreme Cheer wrote in a post on Facebook: “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 she will always be a part of the UXC family. Please keep her family in your thoughts and prayers and continue to send them love as they navigate this unimaginable loss.”
A GoFundMe page has been set up and will be used to pay for Tawnia and Addi’s funerals.
The appeal states “a heartbreaking event has left the family in deep shock and grief, struggling to come to terms with the sudden loss of Addi in such a way.”
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