Community Shocked by Deadly Shooting At Local Drive-Thru

ST. LOUIS COUNTY - A 32-year-old woman - Chauncia Meekins - was fatally shot late Wednesday, April 8, 2026, while working at a Steak ’n Shake drive-thru on Bellefontaine Road in St. Louis County, after a situation developed with occupants of a vehicle after an order, authorities said.

Meekins, a St. Louis resident, died at the scene after the shooting, which happened about 11:35 p.m. on April 8 in the 11000 block of Bellefontaine Road, according to the St. Louis County Police Department. A second victim, an adult male employee, was taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

St. Louis County Police said officers from the North County Precinct responded to a call for service and found two victims inside a business suffering from gunshot injuries. Investigators said an occupant of the vehicle fired a weapon through the drive-thru window, striking two employees inside.

In a statement, Tamela Washington said her daughter, Chauncia, was killed while working in the drive-thru following a situation with a customer who wanted an order of “onion rings” and “did not intend to pay for” them.

“This sick tragedy has left my family in shambles and a part of me broken inside as this will be my second daughter I’ll have to bury,” Washington said. “I was completely shocked and now left unprepared as we were planning for her 33rd birthday, which is April 23rd. Now we have to plan funeral arrangements.”

Anyone with information about this fatal shooting is asked to contact the St. Louis County Police Department at 636-529-8210. Those who want to remain anonymous or potentially receive a reward can contact CrimeStoppers at 1-866-371-TIPS (8477).

Washington also asked for “prayers” and said “any support, donations, or help with figuring out who the sick individuals who caused us this great deal of pain is greatly appreciated during this process.”

Click here for the GoFundMe for Chauncia Meekins.

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