A 32-year-old woman was shot and killed while working at a drive-thru window in St. Louis County, Missouri, after an argument with customers over a food order, authorities said.
The victim, Chauncia Meekins, was working late Wednesday night at a Steak ‘n Shake location when the incident occurred. According to the St. Louis County Police Department, Meekins and a co-worker became involved in a dispute with individuals inside a car at the drive-thru.
During the argument, someone inside the vehicle fired a gun through the drive-thru window, striking both Meekins and her male co-worker. Meekins was pronounced dead at the scene. Her co-worker was transported to a nearby hospital with injuries that were not considered life-threatening.
Police said the dispute was reportedly over onion rings, though investigators have not released additional details about what led to the confrontation. As of Thursday, no arrests had been made, and authorities have not identified any suspects.
Meekins’ mother, Tamela Washington, told local media that the situation escalated far beyond what should have been a routine interaction.
“It’s never that serious to take a person’s life over some fast food,” she said in an interview.
Washington said her daughter had only been working at the restaurant for a few months. She also shared that she had spoken with Meekins just hours before the shooting while she was on a break.
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“She was happy, cheerful, on the phone laughing,” Washington told reporters. “I just want to know why. Why would you shoot her? You didn’t have to shoot her or the other employee.”
Meekins was approaching her 33rd birthday later this month. Instead of celebrating, her family is now preparing for her funeral.
“Her birthday is April 23,” Washington said. “Instead of celebrating her birthday, I will be burying my daughter for some senseless act.”
Family members described Meekins as kind and generous, someone who would go out of her way to help others.
Police continue to investigate the shooting and are asking anyone with information to come forward.
