Suspect charged in killing of former U.S. figure skater Gabrielle “Sam” Linehan in St. Louis
A daylight drive-thru shooting and a series of alleged robberies
A 58-year-old St. Louis man has been charged in connection with the fatal shooting of Gabrielle “Sam” Linehan, a 28-year-old figure skating coach and former U.S. Figure Skating competitor, who was killed at a Starbucks drive-thru on South Grand Boulevard.
Police have said the shooting occurred just after 10 a.m. on Feb. 10, 2026, in the 2300 block of South Grand Avenue, in the Tower Grove East area. Officers arriving at the scene found a woman inside a vehicle in the drive-thru with a gunshot wound; she was transported to a hospital and later died.
What investigators say happened
Investigators have described the incident as a robbery in which the suspect approached Linehan’s vehicle, demanded property and then shot her. In public alerts issued the day of the killing, police released images and a description of a suspect seen fleeing on foot.
The suspect was described as a Black male wearing a yellow-green reflective safety vest and a white hard hat, and was considered armed and dangerous. Police also asked the public to call 911 rather than approach the suspect.
Charges filed and related allegations
The suspect, identified as Keith Lamon Brown, was taken into custody the day after the shooting and has been charged with first-degree murder. Prosecutors also filed multiple robbery-related counts and armed-criminal-action charges, along with an unlawful-possession-of-a-firearm count.
Authorities have tied the case to at least two additional robberies in the days leading up to Feb. 10, alleging Brown targeted victims at other locations and that video evidence showed a consistent appearance and clothing across incidents.
Feb. 6, 2026: A robbery was reported at a Jack in the Box drive-thru on South Grand, in which a victim’s property was taken at gunpoint.
Feb. 8, 2026: A robbery was reported at a Dollar General on North Grand, with a cashier held at gunpoint and money demanded.
Victim identified as a coach with national-level skating background
Linehan, known widely as “Sam,” was identified by the local skating community as a coach with Metro Edge Figure Skating Club. She had competed in synchronized skating and was part of a St. Louis-based team that earned a silver medal at the 2014 U.S. Synchronized Skating Championships.
Police have emphasized that the investigation remains active and that information released publicly can change as evidence is reviewed, witnesses are interviewed and forensic work is completed.
Brown is expected to make further court appearances as the case proceeds. Police have continued to request information from anyone who may have witnessed the events near South Grand or who may have relevant video from the area.