Figure Skating Coach Fatally Shot at Starbucks Drive-Thru in St. Louis
A beloved figure skating coach was shot and killed at a Starbucks drive-thru in St. Louis, Missouri, in what police describe as a violent robbery linked to a series of recent crimes. The victim, Sam Linehan, 28, was a former Team USA synchronized skater who had represented her country at national championships.
Details of the Tragic Incident
On Tuesday, February 11, 2026, Sam Linehan was at a Starbucks drive-thru in the Tower Grove East neighborhood of St. Louis when she was approached by a suspect. According to St. Louis Metropolitan Police, the suspect, later identified as Keith Lamon Brown, 58, demanded that Linehan raise her hands above her head before opening fire. Linehan was pronounced dead at the scene.
Mitch McCoy, director of public affairs for the SLMPD, provided chilling details at a press conference. "The victim was in a drive-thru when the suspect approached, robbed her, and then fired a shot into the air after the robbery," McCoy stated. The suspect allegedly took bank cards, a phone, and a gun from the victim's purse during the encounter.
Suspect Linked to Multiple Robberies
Police have connected Keith Lamon Brown to at least two other robberies in the days leading up to the shooting. On February 6, Brown is suspected of pointing a gun at a woman and her daughter outside a nearby Jack-in-the-Box restaurant, demanding their belongings. Two days later, on February 8, he allegedly entered a Dollar General store, aimed a gun at an employee, and demanded money before firing two rounds into the air upon exiting.
Security footage from these earlier incidents was not initially released as police had not yet established a definitive link between the events. However, following Linehan's killing, Brown has been charged with first-degree murder, unlawful possession of a firearm, and three counts of armed criminal action.
A Life Cut Short: Remembering Sam Linehan
Sam Linehan was a prominent figure in the skating community, having represented Team USA and won a silver medal at the U.S. Synchronized Skating Championships in 2014. She worked as a coach at the Metro Edge Figure Skating Club, where she was affectionately known as "Coach Sam."
The club released a heartfelt statement mourning her loss. "This loss is both sudden and heartbreaking for our athletes, staff, and broader community," the statement read. "We are focused on supporting Coach Sam's family and providing care and resources for our skaters during this difficult time."
Suspect's Extensive Criminal History
Court records reveal that Keith Lamon Brown has a lengthy criminal history dating back to 1986. His prior charges include burglary, robbery, and armed criminal action. At the press conference, McCoy noted that Brown was already "very familiar with a jail cell," underscoring his extensive encounters with the justice system.
The St. Louis community has been left shaken by the violent crime, which occurred in a seemingly routine setting. Police continue to investigate the shooting, and Starbucks has been contacted for comment regarding the incident at their drive-thru location.
