Steak ’n Shake Worker Killed Over Onion Rings in Late-Night Drive-Thru Chaos
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Prosecutors in St. Louis County filed a murder charge Monday in connection with the fatal shooting of a Steak ’n Shake employee at a drive-through window earlier this month, following what authorities said was an argument over a food order involving onion rings.
The victim, Chauncia Meekins, was shot and killed the night of April 8 at the restaurant located in Spanish Lake, Missouri, a community roughly 30 minutes north of St. Louis.
According to KMOV-TV, family members gathered outside the location for a vigil shortly after the charges were announced.
St. Louis County prosecutors said 20-year-old Jada Bell is facing six felony charges in the case, including murder and armed criminal action.
Jail records indicate Bell’s next court appearance is scheduled for Tuesday.
A previous report from KMOV said Bell was being held on a $1 million, cash-only bond with no 10% option.
Court records cited by the station state that Bell drove up to the Steak ’n Shake drive-through window and became involved in a dispute with employees over her order.
Meekins was among the workers present during the confrontation.
According to KMOV, the situation escalated when Bell threw a drink at Meekins, who then threw it back.
Authorities allege that Bell then pulled out a handgun and fired multiple shots at Meekins. The victim died as a result of the shooting.
The station reported that another individual was struck in the hand during the incident.