St. Louis skating coach Sam Linehan killed in Starbucks drive-thru robbery; suspect faces murder charge

A daytime shooting in Tower Grove East

A Webster Groves-based figure skating coach was killed in a shooting at a Starbucks drive-thru in St. Louis this week, prompting an outpouring of grief in the region’s skating community and a multi-count criminal case tied to a string of robberies along Grand Boulevard.

Police said the shooting occurred just after 10 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026, in the 2300 block of South Grand Boulevard, where officers found a 28-year-old woman unresponsive inside a vehicle in the drive-thru with a gunshot wound. She was taken to a hospital and later died.

Victim identified as skating coach Sam Linehan

The victim was identified as Gabrielle “Sam” Linehan, 28, a coach with the Metro Edge Figure Skating Club. The club described Linehan as a mentor and a central presence for young athletes, and skating colleagues gathered in the days after the shooting to support students and one another.

Linehan’s skating background included competitive experience in synchronized skating, including participation with St. Louis Synergy and a silver-medal finish at the U.S. Synchronized Skating Championships in 2014. Club materials also describe achievements in skating skills testing.

Suspect arrested and charged; investigators cite linked robberies

A suspect was taken into custody Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026. Court filings show Keith Lamon Brown, 58, was charged with first-degree murder, three counts of first-degree robbery, multiple counts of armed criminal action, and unlawful possession of a firearm.

Investigators allege Linehan was shot during a robbery at the Starbucks drive-thru and that the suspect took items including bank cards and identification. Police also allege Brown was connected to two earlier robberies in the days leading up to the killing:

• Feb. 6, 2026: a robbery targeting a vehicle in the drive-thru at a Jack in the Box on South Grand Boulevard.
• Feb. 8, 2026: a robbery at a Dollar General on North Grand Boulevard.

Police said surveillance video from the incidents showed a suspect wearing a high-visibility reflective vest and a hard hat. Investigators reported recovering items believed to be stolen in the robberies, along with clothing consistent with what was seen in video.

Public safety response and court status

Police deployed resources including specialized units during the initial search for the suspect on Feb. 10, and later said the case was being investigated aggressively. A judge denied bond for Brown following the filing of charges, court records show.

Anyone with information related to the Feb. 10 shooting has been urged to contact the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Division or submit tips through CrimeStoppers.

The investigation remains active as the case proceeds through St. Louis courts.