Crime Stories with Nancy Grace

Episode: Vegas Cheer Competition Horror: Mother Kills Daughter, Then Herself Inside Las Vegas Hotel Room | Crime Alert 6AM 02.18.26
Date: February 18, 2026

Overview

This episode provides detailed coverage of three shocking crime cases making headlines, headlined by the tragic murder-suicide involving a Utah mother and her daughter at a Las Vegas hotel during a cheerleading competition weekend. Additional cases include the ongoing investigation of a missing and murdered woman in North Dakota and the disturbing beheading of a pet dog in Atlanta. The show delivers rapid, fact-based updates while including emotional perspectives from those close to the crimes.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Vegas Cheer Competition Tragedy (00:00–02:25)

• Incident Summary:

  • A Utah mother, Tanya McGeehan, shot and killed her 11-year-old daughter, Addie Smith, before turning the gun on herself in their Rio Hotel room near the Las Vegas Strip.
  • The pair were in Las Vegas for a cheer competition; Addie was reported missing when she failed to appear.
  • Police conducted a welfare check, found no response, and later discovered both deceased, concluding it was a murder-suicide.
  • Notable Detail: A note was left in the room, but its contents have not been released.

• Background and Community Impact:

  • Addie was active in the cheerleading community, described as uplifting and beloved among teammates and coaches.
  • The local police supported the family, confirming Addie was the niece of a police sergeant in Salem, Utah.
  • The parents had a protracted custody battle from 2015 until a final agreement in 2024.

• Support Efforts:

  • GoFundMe organized for funeral expenses, with significant community support ($25,052 raised so far out of a $45,000 goal).

• Memorable Quotes:

  • "Any kid that I get to work with, it is an honor for me and for Addie especially. It was a priv privilege to be a part of her life and to be able to love her." — Emily Morgan, former coach (01:28)
  • "They had a very early call time to get to the event and she was nowhere to be found. So we called, called, called, sent messages and nobody was able to get a hold of her." — Teammate's parent (00:57)

2. North Dakota Dismemberment Case (02:25–05:41)

• Incident Summary:

  • 25-year-old Isadora Wengel disappeared in early January.
  • Her boyfriend, Joshua Alexander Hite, arrested and charged with murder and multiple felonies.
  • Extensive forensic evidence discovered, including blood-matched DNA, human remains on a saw blade, and evidence of dismemberment and body disposal efforts.

• Investigation Details:

  • A fixed focus on a black 27-gallon tote believed used to dispose of remains.
  • Digital trails revealed searches for tools, disposal, and legal alias registration.
  • Hite allegedly used Wengel’s phone to text family, attempting to cover her death.

• Community Mobilization:

  • Residents recruited to search riversides and rural properties for Wengel's body.
  • GoFundMe set up for the family ($14,203 of $16,000 goal), emphasizing the urgency of finding Izzy and ensuring her a dignified burial.

• Memorable Quotes:

  • "This is a crime that is hard to imagine someone could commit, but we believe this is exactly what's happened." — Police Chief Dave Zabolski (03:25)
  • "The hard part with that is, of course we don't know where she is... but it's really important that it extends into the Minnesota side as well." — Search organizer Malia Jimenez (05:01)

3. Atlanta Dog Beheading and SWAT Standoff (05:41–08:25)

• Incident Summary:

  • A missing dog, Bambi, was found beheaded, sparking public outrage and a SWAT operation in Atlanta.
  • Jalen Wade arrested after barricading himself in his home; charged with animal cruelty and weapon-related felonies.

• Investigation Details:

  • Discovery initiated after viral Instagram post of the dead animal.
  • The dog's owner, Precious Cody, learned the fate of her pet through animal services due to microchipping.

• Public & Landlord Reaction:

  • Strange writings reportedly discovered on the walls; landlord speculates about voodoo practices.
  • The landlord described Wade as previously respectful, surprised by the developments.

• Community Response:

  • GoFundMe launched for Bambi's justice, though only $60 of the $1,600 goal raised at time of reporting.

• Memorable Quotes:

  • "She was like, I'm sorry to tell you, but a man had decapitated the dog and they found her on the porch where her head cut off." — Precious Cody (06:48)
  • "It's sad to say it because it's like my dog was not vicious. She was not vicious at all. Like if he couldn't take care of her, she could have just took her." — Precious Cody (07:02)
  • "I've been renting to him for about three years and this has never happened. He's always been a respectful guy, so this was kind of surprising to me... he was inside the house, inside of a box, hiding." — Landlord Will Owens (07:46)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Vegas Cheer Competition Murder-Suicide: 00:00–02:25
• North Dakota Dismemberment Case: 02:25–05:41
• Atlanta Dog Beheading & Standoff: 05:41–08:25

Tone and Style

Throughout the episode, reporting remains factual and urgent, prioritizing empathy for victims and community voices. Emotional testimonials from families, police, and neighbors underline the deep impact of these violent acts, while appeals for community assistance and justice are strongly highlighted.

Summary Takeaways

• The episode brings attention to three gut-wrenching, recently reported cases, urging both public vigilance and community support for victims and families.
• The stories are marked by senseless violence—familial, intimate, and random—set against the background of public events and social media.
• Listeners are supplied with real-world actions: donation links and police contacts, reinforcing the podcast's goal of not only informing but mobilizing the audience around justice and victim support.