Tawnia McGeehan Previously Found to Have Committed Domestic Abuse Was Later Granted Joint Custody of Addi Smith Before Apparent Murder-Suicide at Rio Hotel & Casino, Records Show

The Utah mother accused of fatally shooting her 11-year-old daughter before taking her own life in Las Vegas had a documented history of domestic-violence concerns and a prolonged custody battle, according to court records.

Tawnia McGeehan, 38, had been granted joint legal and physical custody of her daughter, Addi Smith, in a May 7, 2024 court order after nearly a decade of litigation with the girl’s father, Brad Smith. The order deemed both parents “fit and proper persons,” established alternating weekly custody, and instructed them to minimize contact during exchanges.

The ruling also gave McGeehan “presumptive decision-making authority” over major aspects of the child’s life — including medical care, education, and religion — though Smith retained the right to challenge decisions in court.

However, earlier findings painted a different picture. In a Dec. 8, 2020 order, Family Court Commissioner Marian Ito wrote that McGeehan “has committed domestic abuse in the presence of the minor child,” though records did not specify who the victim was. The commissioner also stated Smith showed a stronger understanding of the child’s emotional and physical needs.

Additional filings indicated McGeehan engaged in behavior described as “parental alienation,” and her ability to co-parent was called “seriously in question.” In October 2020, a judge ordered her visitation be supervised by approved relatives or friends while Smith was temporarily granted sole custody pending review.

Court documents also reference prior legal issues, including custodial-interference charges in 2018 and two bankruptcy filings.

Despite those concerns, the 2024 custody order restored joint custody and decision-making authority to McGeehan.

Authorities say McGeehan and her daughter were later found shot to death in their hotel room after they failed to appear at a cheer competition. Investigators have described the deaths as an apparent murder-suicide.

The case has sparked renewed debate about how courts evaluate risk factors in contentious custody disputes and whether warning signs can be overlooked before tragedy occurs.