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Woman killed in Steak ‘n Shake drive-thru shooting after argument
The suspect remains at large as investigators continue to probe the deadly Steak ‘n Shake incident
A Missouri Steak ‘n Shake employee was shot and killed during a drive-thru incident that authorities say stemmed from a confrontation over a food order, according to police and the victim’s family.
Chauncia La’Shell Meekins, 32, was working at a Steak ‘n Shake on Bellefontaine Road in St. Louis County on Wednesday, April 8, when she and a male coworker were shot by an unknown driver, police said. Meekins was pronounced dead at the scene.
St. Louis County Police said their initial investigation indicates a “confrontation” occurred at the restaurant’s drive-thru window shortly before the shooting.
During the incident, someone inside a vehicle allegedly opened fire through the window, striking both employees.
Meekins’ coworker was taken to a local hospital and treated for non-life-threatening injuries, according to officials.
Police said the shooter fled the scene and remains at large. No suspect description has been released, and the investigation is ongoing.
Meekins’ mother, Tamela Washington, told local outlets she was devastated by the loss and had spoken to her daughter just hours before the shooting.
“I couldn’t believe it. I just talked to my daughter,” she said, adding that they had been discussing plans for Meekins’ upcoming birthday on April 23.
“Instead of celebrating her birthday, I will be burying my daughter for some senseless act over some onion rings,” she said.
Washington described her daughter as hardworking and full of life, noting she had only recently begun working at the restaurant.
“She was bright. She was friendly. She was funny. She worked hard for everything that she got,” she said.
She also expressed shock at the violence, questioning how a fast-food dispute could escalate so drastically.
“Why would somebody want to shoot somebody in a fast food restaurant over some fast food?” she said. “It was senseless, and it was hurtful.”
An obituary for Meekins remembers her as someone who made a lasting impact on those around her, saying she will be “remembered for her life, her presence, and the impact she had.”
