A 58-year-old man with a long criminal history has been charged with first-degree murder after allegedly robbing and fatally shooting Gabrielle “Sam” Linehan, a beloved skating coach, at a St. Louis Starbucks drive-thru. According to court documents, prosecutors allege Keith Lamon Brown killed Linehan in the Tower Grove East neighborhood on December 20th.
Linehan was reportedly stopped by Brown while she waited for her order in the drive-thru lane. Surveillance video shows Brown wearing a high-visibility vest and helmet as he approached her vehicle before fleeing on foot after allegedly shooting Linehan. Days later, investigators found Linehan’s driver’s license in Brown’s possession along with items stolen from a prior Jack-in-the-Box incident.
The Metro Edge Figure Skating Club confirmed Linehan served as their coach and described the loss as “sudden and heartbreaking for our athletes, staff, and broader community.” The club stated: “This loss is both sudden and heartbreaking for our athletes, staff, and broader community. We are focused on supporting Coach Sam’s family and providing care and resources for our skaters during this difficult time.”
Brown was also wanted for armed robberies at a Dollar General and Jack-in-the-Box prior to the incident. Court records indicate Brown has a criminal history dating back to 1986, including burglary and armed criminal action. He was arrested days after the shooting and denied bond by a judge.
The skate club reiterated: “Coach Sam will be deeply missed and forever remembered.” They requested privacy for Linehan’s family and friends during this period.
