St. Louis County Steak ‘n Shake Shooting: Jada Bell Charged With First-Degree Murder in Fatal Drive-Thru Dispute
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, MO — A 20-year-old woman, Jada Bell, has been charged with first-degree murder following a deadly shooting at a Steak ‘n Shake drive-thru in North County that left one employee dead and another injured.
The incident occurred on April 8, 2026, at the restaurant on Bellefontaine Road when a dispute over an order reportedly escalated between Bell and employees. According to investigators, the confrontation turned violent after drinks were exchanged between the suspect and staff, leading Bell to allegedly open fire into the building from a white SUV.
Police say surveillance footage captured the entire encounter, and digital evidence placed Bell near the scene at the time of the shooting. The gunfire struck two employees inside the restaurant.
One victim, identified as 32-year-old Chauncia Meekins, died from her injuries. A second employee was injured after being struck in the hand. Authorities described Meekins as a hardworking employee who supported her family through multiple jobs.
Bell was arrested on April 20, 2026, and is being held at the St. Louis County Justice Center on a $1 million cash-only bond. She faces multiple charges, including first-degree murder, first-degree assault, unlawful use of a weapon, and armed criminal action.
The shooting has sparked widespread shock in the North County community, where residents and coworkers have held vigils honoring Meekins and calling for an end to senseless violence. The restaurant temporarily closed following the incident as staff and community members mourned the loss.