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Summary: Sam Linehan, 28, was fatally shot during a robbery at a Starbucks drive-thru in St. Louis, Missouri, on February 11, 2026. Authorities say suspect Keith Lamon Brown, 58, approached Linehan's car, demanded valuables, and fired despite compliance. Brown, a repeat offender linked to two prior holdups that week, faces murder and robbery charges. The beloved coach's death has devastated the community, reports say.
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ST. LOUIS (DailyKenn.com) — Beloved Skating Coach Fatally Shot in Drive-Thru Robbery
A 28-year-old figure skating coach and restaurant manager died after a gunman approached her vehicle in a St. Louis coffee shop drive-thru and opened fire during an apparent robbery, authorities said.
Sam Linehan was sitting in her car at a Starbucks in the city's Tower Grove East neighborhood when the attack occurred around 10 a.m. on Tuesday. Police reported that she had stopped for coffee while heading to a friend's home to view Olympic coverage. According to investigators, the suspect walked up to her window, ordered her to raise her hands, and demanded her belongings. Even after she handed over bank cards, a phone, and items from her purse, he fired a single shot, striking her fatally. Emergency responders declared her dead at the scene.
Surveillance footage captured the assailant wearing a bright yellow safety vest and a construction helmet, details that helped link him to prior holdups, police explained. No immediate bystanders intervened, but nearby workers and customers heard the gunshot and alerted authorities, leading to a swift lockdown of the area. One drive-thru employee told officers the scene turned chaotic as patrons fled, with screams echoing through the parking lot.
Authorities quickly identified the suspect as Keith Lamon Brown, 58, a St. Louis resident with an extensive criminal past. Brown faces charges of first-degree murder, three counts of first-degree robbery, multiple counts of armed criminal action, and unlawful possession of a firearm. Prosecutors noted his history includes a 1986 conviction for burglary, robbery, and armed criminal action, resulting in a 15-year prison term, followed by a 1996 sentence of 30 years for similar offenses. Officials said he had been released on parole at some point, despite the lengthy incarceration.
Investigators connected Brown to two earlier armed robberies that week. On Feb. 6, he allegedly held up a Dollar General store clerk at gunpoint, demanded cash, and discharged his weapon into the air before escaping. Two days later, on Feb. 8, he targeted a woman and her daughter in a Jack in the Box drive-thru, stealing a purse, cell phones, and a handgun while again firing shots skyward. A search of Brown's residence yielded the distinctive vest, helmet, and stolen property, bolstering the case against him. He remains jailed without bond as the probe continues.
Linehan, a lifelong St. Louisan, left a profound mark on her community. As a coach with the Metro Edge Figure Skating Club in Webster Groves, she mentored young athletes, drawing from her own achievements as a former Team USA competitor who earned a silver medal at the 2014 U.S. Synchronized Skating Championships. She also served as general manager at Sado restaurant on the Hill and contributed to operations at Yellowbelly in the Central West End. Colleagues described her as a powerhouse in the local dining scene, known for her dedication and warmth.
The tragedy has sparked widespread grief. Skating club officials called the loss unimaginable, pledging support for affected families and athletes through counseling sessions. Restaurant staff closed doors temporarily to grieve, with one owner stating the community feels shattered by the senseless violence. Friends shared social media tributes highlighting Linehan's infectious energy and commitment to others, urging unity amid the sorrow. City leaders echoed calls for justice, emphasizing the need to address repeat offenders.
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