An 11-year-old cheerleader from Utah was “very medicated” by a cocktail of prescription medications before being murdered by her severely depressed mother, who then killed herself inside a hotel room at the Rio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas on February 15, according to newly released coroner’s reports.
Addilyn “Addi” Smith and her 34-year-old mother, Tawnia McGeehan, were found dead in a bed. Police determined that McGeehan shot her daughter before shooting herself.
Toxicology reports indicate Smith’s system contained caffeine, quetiapine, diphenhydramine, gabapentin, and lorazepam. McGeehan tested positive for cannabinoids, caffeine, eszopiclone/zopiclone, quetiapine, diphenhydramine, citalopram/escitalopram, desmethylloperamide, gabapentin, and lorazepam.
The reports state that McGeehan had been “severely depressed over breakups and an ongoing custody battle with her ex-husband” for nearly nine years following their 2015 divorce. Her daughter’s cell phone was left open to show photos and videos, and stuffed animals were found on the other bed in the room.
The mother and daughter had traveled to Las Vegas on February 13 so that Addilyn could attend a cheer competition but missed the event on February 15. Smith’s father was unable to contact them after they failed to return home and called law enforcement for a welfare check.
A coroner’s report noted the family had reported a history of severe depression with previous prescribed medication and past suicidal ideations, though they denied knowledge of past attempts.
The autopsy concluded both women died from gunshot wounds to the head; Smith’s death was ruled homicide and McGeehan’s was suicide.
