Dionna Samuel, 23, was shot and killed on December 2, 2024, while working the drive-thru at the McDonald’s at 588 N. 24th Street in East St. Louis. The shooting happened around 7:30 p.m.; witnesses and family members say a person approached the drive-thru window and opened fire, striking Samuel multiple times. Samuel lived in Belleville and also held a second job at a local bank; her mother Angelia Johnson and a brother worked at the same McDonald’s location.

Family and witnesses believe Samuel was not the intended target. This was the second homicide at that McDonald’s location in 2024, following an earlier shooting in May. No arrests have been announced; the East St. Louis Police Department and Illinois State Police are investigating and asking the public for information. A balloon release was held at the restaurant as family, friends, and coworkers gathered to remember Samuel’s described hardworking, cheerful nature.

If anyone was at the restaurant that evening or has information about the shooting, please share what is known with investigators.