Police say gunfire erupted during a confrontation at a Steak ‘n Shake late Wednesday night.
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — A 32-year-old woman was shot and killed while working a drive-thru window late Wednesday night after a confrontation with a customer escalated into gunfire, authorities said.
The killing has shaken workers and residents in north St. Louis County as police search for the suspect. Investigators say the shooting happened during a dispute over a food order, highlighting how a routine interaction quickly turned deadly. One other employee was injured, and no arrests had been announced as of Thursday evening.
Police said officers were called around 11:30 p.m. to a Steak ‘n Shake on Bellefontaine Road, where two employees had been shot. Investigators determined that an argument began in the drive-thru lane between workers and a customer. During the confrontation, the driver fired multiple shots through the service window before fleeing the scene, according to police. Emergency responders transported both victims to a hospital, where one of them, later identified as Chauncia Lashell Meekins, died from her injuries.
A second employee, described by authorities as a male worker, was also wounded in the shooting and survived. Police have not released details about his condition. Detectives said the suspect left the area immediately after the shooting, and no description had been made public. Investigators continue to review surveillance footage from the restaurant and nearby businesses as they work to identify the shooter and determine the exact sequence of events.
Family members said the dispute that led to the shooting centered on onion rings, a detail that has deepened their grief and frustration. Meekins’ mother, Tamela Washington, said her daughter had been looking forward to celebrating her 33rd birthday later this month. “Instead of celebrating her birthday, I will be burying my daughter for some senseless act,” Washington said. She described her daughter as caring and hardworking, adding that she had only been employed at the restaurant for a few months and had no prior issues at work.
Community advocates say the shooting reflects broader concerns about rising violence in everyday settings. James Clark, a representative with the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, said incidents like this show how quickly conflicts can escalate. He said community programs focused on conflict resolution and de-escalation are becoming increasingly important as violence appears in more routine environments, including workplaces and service interactions.
Police have classified the case as a homicide investigation and are asking for the public’s help. Authorities said anyone with information about the shooting should contact St. Louis County police or CrimeStoppers. Detectives are continuing to collect evidence, including witness statements and forensic analysis from the scene, as they work to build a case against the suspect.
For Meekins’ family, the focus remains on seeking accountability. Washington urged the person responsible to come forward, saying the loss has left a permanent void. She said her daughter was known for helping others and maintaining a positive attitude, even during long shifts at work.
The investigation remained active Thursday, with no suspect in custody and police expected to provide updates as new information becomes available.
Author note: Last updated April 10, 2026.