The mother and daughter found dead in a Las Vegas hotel room in what authorities have ruled a murder-suicide were deeply bonded and “wanted nothing more” than to be together, relatives told The Post.
Tawnia McGeehan, 34, and her 11-year-old daughter, Addilyn Smith, were discovered in a hotel room at the Rio Hotel and Casino in February while attending a cheerleading competition. New details about the incident and the toxicology reports have recently emerged.
Connie McGeehan, Tawnia’s mother and Addilyn’s grandmother, described the pair as inseparable, frequently engaging in activities like amusement park visits, swimming, and shopping. "Addi wanted nothing more than to spend time with her mommy. Tawnia loved that little girl with everything she had, and Addi felt the same way about her mommy," Connie McGeehan said.
Despite autopsy reports indicating Tawnia McGeehan administered a combination of prescription medications and other drugs to Addilyn before fatally shooting her and then herself, her mother remembers her as a loving and devoted parent. "I want more than anything for people to know how big of a heart my daughter had," Connie said. "She would do anything for anyone. She was truly the best mom I have ever seen."
Authorities have suggested that Tawnia McGeehan, who had been involved in a protracted custody dispute with her ex-husband for approximately nine years, may have committed the acts due to severe depression related to breakups and the ongoing legal battle.
The grieving grandmother also shared cherished memories of her granddaughter, noting Addilyn’s love for her friends and cheerleading. "Myself and Addi’s grandpa loved taking her on little adventures. We would go on hikes. We had a yearly tradition of going to the lake and catching crawfish. She loved that so much," Connie recalled. She also remembered walking with Addilyn to get treats and playing games, with the child often remarking on the sky and its "cotton-candy clouds."
Since the discovery of the mother and daughter's bodies, following their failure to appear for Addilyn's competition, the family has described the experience as a constant struggle. The Clark County Coroner’s Office's release of autopsy reports this week has reopened their pain, Connie McGeehan stated.
Police found the two deceased from apparent gunshot wounds to the head. A semi-automatic pistol was found on Tawnia McGeehan's chest, and a pillow with a bullet hole was over the child's face. Handwritten notes were discovered in the room, including one taped to a chair near the entrance warning, “Call 911 before walking in. Two dead bodies and one is an 11-year-old.” Another note indicated McGeehan had been heavily medicated and was “cuddled” with her daughter.
Substances found in Addilyn's system included quetiapine, gabapentin, lorazepam, and diphenhydramine. Tawnia McGeehan's toxicology report listed these same drugs, along with eszopiclone/zopiclone, citalopram/escitalopram, desmethyl loperamide, and cannabinoids. The reports also noted a history of severe depression and past suicidal ideations for Tawnia McGeehan.
A recently resurfaced video offers a glimpse into happier times for the mother and daughter, showing them exchanging items they believe are each other's favorites, such as chocolate milk and an unidentified drink.
Connie McGeehan has continued to share tributes to her daughter and granddaughter on TikTok, recently reposting a video from June 2021 with the caption: “This is where I go when I need to hear my daughter and granddaughters voices.”