Relatives say the victim was weeks away from her birthday when she was killed.
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — A Missouri family is grieving the loss of a woman shot and killed while working a drive-thru shift, as investigators continue searching for the person responsible for the late-night attack.
The victim, identified by authorities as Chauncia Lashell Meekins, was killed during a confrontation with a customer at a Steak ‘n Shake, according to police. The case has drawn attention to the dangers faced by service workers and the sudden escalation of violence in routine settings. A second employee was also injured, and the suspect remains at large.
According to police, the shooting unfolded shortly before midnight Wednesday at a restaurant along Bellefontaine Road. Officers arriving at the scene found two employees suffering from gunshot wounds after a dispute in the drive-thru lane. Investigators said the altercation began over a food order and escalated when the driver fired a weapon through the window before fleeing. Meekins later died at a hospital.
Her mother, Tamela Washington, said the loss has been overwhelming. She said she had recently spoken with her daughter about plans for an upcoming birthday celebration. “We were talking about her birthday. She wanted me to cook her favorite meal,” Washington said. “Now I’m planning a funeral instead.” She described her daughter as loving and generous, someone who would help others whenever she could.
Family members said Meekins had been working at the restaurant for only a few months and had no history of conflict on the job. They said she took pride in her work and maintained a positive attitude, even during late shifts. Washington said she struggles to understand how a disagreement over food could lead to such violence, calling it a “senseless act.”
Community leaders echoed those concerns, saying the incident reflects a troubling pattern of violence emerging in everyday interactions. Advocates emphasized the importance of addressing conflict before it escalates and noted that service workers often face high-pressure situations with little protection. They said the shooting underscores the need for broader efforts to reduce violence in public spaces.
Investigators said they are reviewing surveillance video and interviewing witnesses as they work to identify the suspect. Authorities have not released a description of the shooter but said they are pursuing multiple leads. Police are also analyzing evidence collected from the scene, including shell casings and other forensic materials.
Washington said her focus is now on justice for her daughter. She urged the person responsible to turn themselves in, saying the impact of the loss extends far beyond the immediate family. She said Meekins was a daughter, cousin and friend whose absence will be felt deeply.
The case remains under investigation, with police expected to provide updates as new information becomes available in the coming days.
Author note: Last updated April 10, 2026.