A late-night dispute over a fast-food order turned deadly in Missouri, leaving a 32-year-old restaurant worker dead and another injured in a case that has shocked the St. Louis area and drawn national attention.
According to the St. Louis County Police Department, the shooting occurred around 11:35 p.m. on April 8 at a Steak ‘n Shake location in St. Louis County. Police say a confrontation broke out at the drive-thru window between employees and a customer inside a vehicle.
Investigators say the dispute was sparked by a missing item—onion rings—in the customer’s order, according to charging documents and local reports.
The victim, Chauncia La’Shell Meekins, had been working the drive-thru when the situation escalated.
Another coworker shot, but survived
During the altercation, the suspect—later identified as 20-year-old Jada Bell—allegedly became increasingly agitated. Witness accounts cited in reports indicate that an exchange of food or drinks may have occurred, further intensifying the confrontation.
Bell allegedly threw a cup at Meekins, who then threw a drink back at Bell. It was immediately after this exchange that Bell allegedly opened fire
Authorities say Bell fired multiple shots through the drive-thru window, striking Meekins and a male coworker. The coworker survived with non-life-threatening injuries, but Meekins was pronounced dead at the scene.
A routine shift turns fatal
Meekins had been working at the restaurant for only a few months, according to family members. Her relatives describe her death as a senseless act of violence over a minor fast-food dispute.
The chain where the shooting occurred, Steak ‘n Shake, is a long-running American fast-food brand known for its steakburgers and milkshakes. Founded in 1934, it operates hundreds of locations across the U.S., many of which rely heavily on late-night drive-thru service—settings that can occasionally become flashpoints for customer-worker disputes.
The franchise owner, Bryant Mitchell, has publicly stated that following this event, he no longer intends to continue ownership of the restaurant, citing the toll the violence has taken on the community.
Authorities eventually arrested Bell, who now faces multiple serious charges, including first-degree murder and additional weapons-related offenses, according to prosecutors. Restaurant surveillance video and cell phone data placed Bell at the scene
Charging documents allege that the shooting was intentional and stemmed directly from the argument at the drive-thru window. Bell was taken into custody without incident. Details about the arrest have not been widely released.
As of the latest available information, Bell remains in custody and is awaiting further court proceedings. Prosecutors have formally charged her with first-degree murder, a count that could carry a potential life sentence if she is convicted.
