On Tuesday, a former Team USA figure skater was shot and killed at a Starbucks in St. Louis, Missouri.
While waiting in her car at the drive-thru line, 28-year-old Gabrielle Linehan was approached by a career criminal with a lengthy track record dating back to the ’80s.
He told her to put her hands up, shot her, then robbed her.
Tragically, Linehan later passed away from her injuries at a hospital.
This clip from Fox News has more details:
Former Team USA figure skater Gabrielle Linehan was gunned down at a Starbucks drive-through in St Louis, Missouri by a career criminal with a criminal record dating back to 1986
JAIL THE JUDGESpic.twitter.com/XtDdN1IXNO
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) February 15, 2026
Gabrielle Linehan, who went by “Sam” to her loved ones, won a silver medal at the 2014 U.S. Synchronized Skating Championships.
Here’s a photo from her figure-skating days:
Former Team USA figure skater Gabrielle Linehan, 28, was shot and killed while sitting in her car at a Starbucks drive-thru in St. Louis, Missouri.
Police say suspect Keith Lamon Brown approached Gabrielle Linehan’s vehicle wearing a high-visibility vest and helmet, ordered… pic.twitter.com/cKdwQa30Nr
— Europa.com (@europa) February 15, 2026
She later became a coach and mentor at the Metro Edge Figure Skating Club.
The team paid her tribute in a heartfelt statement shared by The New York Post:
The St. Louis Synergy, the Metro Edge Skating Club’s synchronized figure skating team, paid tribute to their fallen mentor.
“Coach Sam Linehan was a cherished skater, coach, mentor, and friend whose impact reached far beyond the ice. A dedicated leader, Coach Sam devoted time and heart to supporting and developing skaters while instilling the values of discipline, teamwork, integrity, and resilience,” the team wrote on Instagram.
“This loss is both sudden and profoundly heartbreaking for athletes, staff, and the entire skating community. Focus remains on supporting Sam’s family and ensuring skaters have the care and resources needed during this incredibly difficult time,” the statement added.
Linehan represented St. Louis Synergy and Team USA, earning silver at the 2014 US Synchronized Skating Championships, according to KSDK.
“She was by far one of the most naturally talented kids I had coached,” longtime coach Ramona Peterson told the outlet. “But beyond that, she was incredibly dedicated.”
Her alleged killer, 58-year-old Keith Lamon Brown, committed two other robberies in the days leading up to the murder.
He is now facing multiple charges.
Per NBC News:
Keith Brow, 58, was taken into custody the next day on one count of first-degree murder, three counts of first-degree robbery, four counts of armed criminal action and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm connected to Linehan’s death and robberies involving three other victims…
Police said Brown was allegedly involved in at least two other incidents in the days leading up to the shooting of Linehan. On Feb. 6, he held up a mother and daughter at gun point at a drive-thru. Two days later, he pointed his gun at a cashier and demanded money. According to the police, surveillance videos from all the incidents show Brown firing shots and wearing the same neon safety vest and white helmet.
Police said they conducted a search warrant at Brown’s residence, where they discovered items from Linehan and other victims, along with his safety vest and helmet.
This type of horrific story is becoming all too common.
Yet another violent repeat offender who should have been locked up a long time ago has taken the life of a beloved, innocent young woman.
Riley Gaines is asking the question we’re all thinking:
Such a tragic, tragic loss. Totally preventable. When will we learn it doesn’t have to be this way? https://t.co/91UX3Yfpki
— Riley Gaines (@Riley_Gaines_) February 15, 2026
Linehan’s death, along with so many others, were entirely preventable.
Hold the judges releasing these criminals back out onto the streets accountable!
Proverbs 17:15:
Acquitting the guilty and condemning the innocent—the LORD detests them both.— Phillip Neri (@ne31900ri) February 15, 2026
Your thoughts?
