Mom and Pre‑Teen Daughter Found Dead in Apparent Murder‑Suicide in Las Vegas, Police Say

A weekend trip turned tragic when a mother and daughter duo traveling to celebrate a cheer competition were found dead in a Las Vegas Hotel room. The Las Vegas Metropolitan Department said investigators believe the deaths were result of a murder-suicide.

Officers with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) responded to a welfare check on February 15 at Rio Hotel and Casino. The mother and daughter, who were travelling from Utah to Las Vegas for a cheer competition, were reported missing. The family members and cheer officials raised concern when the pair did not appear for the scheduled program.

Police said multiple attempts to contact the occupants earlier in the day were unsuccessful. Hotel security and officers knocked, called out and attempted contact for several minutes, but received no response. Officers observed no immediate signs of distress from outside the room.

Concerns grew after hours passed without contact, prompting a second welfare check later that afternoon. Both victims had gunshot wounds when the hotel staff entered the room. Emergency responders pronounced both mother and daughter dead at the scene.

A firearm was recovered inside the room. Investigators reveal the mother fatally shot her daughter before taking her own life. Police said there is no indication of outside involvement.

Authorities confirmed a note was recovered from the scene, but they have not released its contents. Detectives said they are reviewing the note as part of the investigation and cautioned against speculation as they work to establish a clearer timeline.

“This is a devastating situation. Our hearts go out to the family, the cheer community, and everyone affected by this tragedy,” said an LVMPD spokesperson. News of the deaths sent shockwaves through the cheer community, where teams frequently travel together and parents play a central role. Coaches, teammates and families shared their grief and disbelieve online.

Investigators have not said whether the mother showed signs of distress before the incident. The investigation continues with detectives reviewing hotel surveillance footage, examining digital records and interviewing family members and acquaintances to determine what led up to the shooting.

The LVMPD stressed the incident posed no threat to public and emphasized the investigation remains active. Officials said additional details will be released after forensic and investigative steps are completed.