A 28-year-old figure skating coach and beloved community member was shot and killed during an apparent armed robbery at a Starbucks drive-thru in St. Louis’ Tower Grove East neighborhood on Tuesday, February 10, 2026.
Sam Linehan, who coached at the Metro Edge Figure Skating Club in Webster Groves and worked as a general manager at acclaimed local restaurants including Sado and Yellowbelly, was ordering a beverage around 10 a.m. when 58-year-old Keith Lamon Brown approached her vehicle.
According to St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department (SLMPD) details shared at a press conference, Brown demanded that Linehan raise her hands above her head before opening fire, killing her. He then stole her bank cards, driver’s license, and allegedly a gun from her purse before fleeing.
Brown was arrested early Wednesday following a SWAT search of his home, where he was armed and in possession of items linked to Linehan and prior victims. He faces charges including first-degree murder, unlawful possession of a firearm, three counts of armed criminal action, and additional robbery-related offenses. A judge has denied bond.
Police linked Brown to at least two prior armed robberies in the area:
