Figure Skating Coach and Former Team USA Medalist Killed at Starbucks Drive-Thru
Members of the figure skating community are mourning after a beloved figure skating coach and former Team USA medalist was gunned down while sitting in line at a Starbucks drive-thru.
Gabrielle “Sam” Linehan had been headed to a friend’s house to watch the Olympics when she stopped for coffee on Feb. 10. Authorities say the 28-year-old was fatally shot while waiting in her vehicle at a Starbucks drive-thru in St. Louis.
Police responded just after 10 a.m. to a call for a reported shooting. Upon arrival, they found the victim still inside her car, suffering from a gunshot wound. Linehan was transported to a local hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
According to the New York Post, the alleged gunman in the case is 58-year-old Keith Brown. Surveillance video allegedly shows Brown approaching Linehan’s vehicle and ordering her to put her hands up before shooting her at point-blank range.
The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department confirmed that Brown was arrested on Feb. 11 and charged with 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.
Brown’s criminal record dates back to 1986. He served time for burglary, robbery, and armed criminal action. Court records show Brown was released on parole in July 2020. He is now accused of two other robberies in the days leading up to Linehan’s death.
Linehan represented Team USA and won a silver medal at the 2014 U.S. Synchronized Skating Championships.
After retiring from competition, she became a figure skating coach with the Metro Edge Figure Skating Club, helping young people develop their skills on the ice. Linehan also worked as the general manager of the restaurant Sado in St. Louis.
