Former Team USA Skater Gunned Down in Starbucks Drive-Thru

Gabrielle 'Sam' Linehan, 28, was allegedly killed by a suspect with a long criminal history in Missouri

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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A beloved former Team USA skater, Gabrielle 'Sam' Linehan, was allegedly gunned down in a Missouri Starbucks drive-thru during an armed robbery by a suspect with a long rap sheet who was wanted for two similar shootings days earlier. Linehan, a skating coach, was inside her car when Keith Lamon Brown allegedly held her at gunpoint before opening fire. Brown was caught on surveillance video wearing a high-visibility vest and helmet when he approached Linehan's car, ordered her to raise her hands, and then shot the defenseless woman. Linehan was rushed to a hospital where she was pronounced dead.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the ongoing issue of gun violence and the need for stronger measures to prevent repeat offenders from committing such heinous crimes. Linehan's death has deeply impacted the local skating community, where she was a beloved coach and mentor.

The details

According to a probable cause statement, Brown, 58, allegedly robbed multiple bank cards and Linehan's driver's license before fleeing the scene on foot. Brown was wanted for two armed robberies that took place just days before Linehan's murder, and he has a criminal history dating back to the mid-1980s. During his arrest, officials seized the stolen contents from the first and third robberies as well as the neon vest and helmet and suspected narcotics.

  • On Feb. 6, Brown allegedly approached a vehicle at a Jack in the Box drive-thru, pointed a gun at the driver, and stole the driver's purse, a 9mm handgun, and the phone of the driver's daughter.
  • Two days later, on Feb. 8, Brown allegedly struck again at a Dollar General, demanding money from a cashier.
  • On Feb. 10, Brown allegedly gunned down Gabrielle 'Sam' Linehan in a Starbucks drive-thru in St. Louis, Missouri.

The players

Gabrielle 'Sam' Linehan

A 28-year-old former Team USA skater and skating coach in Webster Groves, Missouri.

Keith Lamon Brown

A 58-year-old suspect with a long criminal history, who was wanted for two similar armed robberies just days before the alleged murder of Gabrielle 'Sam' Linehan.

St. Louis Synergy

The Metro Edge Skating Club's synchronized figure skating team, where Linehan was a cherished skater, coach, mentor, and friend.

Ramona Peterson

Linehan's longtime coach, who described her as 'by far one of the most naturally talented kids' she had coached.

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What they’re saying

“'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.'”

— St. Louis Synergy, The Metro Edge Skating Club's synchronized figure skating team (Instagram)

“'She was by far one of the most naturally talented kids I had coached. But beyond that, she was incredibly dedicated.'”

— Ramona Peterson, Linehan's longtime coach (KSDK)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Keith Lamon Brown out on bail.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the urgent need for comprehensive criminal justice reform and stronger measures to prevent repeat offenders from committing violent crimes. The loss of Gabrielle 'Sam' Linehan, a beloved figure in the local skating community, has left a profound impact and serves as a sobering reminder of the devastating consequences of gun violence.