Chauncia Meekins, 32, was shot and killed during her shift at a Steak ’n Shake in north St. Louis County in the late hours of April 8, 2026. The shooting occurred about 11:35 p.m. at the 11035 Bellefontaine Road drive-thru after a verbal dispute with a female customer in a white SUV over an order of onion rings. The customer allegedly threw a drink at Meekins, who threw a drink back, and then the customer reportedly fired several shots through the drive-thru window. Meekins was struck twice in the torso, pronounced dead at the scene, and a male co-worker was also injured.

On April 20, 2026, the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office charged 20-year-old Jada Bell with first-degree murder, three counts of armed criminal action, first-degree assault, and unlawful use of a weapon; she was taken into custody and held on a $1 million cash-only bond. Meekins’ family described her as loving, caring, sweet-hearted and working two jobs; they held a vigil and have called for justice.

If anyone witnessed the drive-thru confrontation or has information about the shooting, please share what you know.