St. Louis County, MO – Prosecutors have filed multiple felony charges against a suspect in connection with a deadly shooting at a restaurant drive-thru earlier this month.
According to the St. Louis County Police Department, 20-year-old Jada Bell of St. Louis has been charged in the April 8 shooting at a Steak ‘n Shake located in the 11000 block of Bellefontaine Road. The charges include first-degree murder, three counts of armed criminal action, first-degree assault, and unlawful use of a weapon.
Investigators allege the incident began as a dispute at the drive-thru window involving employees and the suspect. During the confrontation, authorities say drinks were thrown between the suspect and staff before the situation escalated.
According to police, Bell allegedly fired multiple rounds from a handgun into the restaurant, striking two employees. One victim, identified as 32-year-old Chauncia Meekins, died from her injuries at the scene. A second employee suffered a gunshot wound to the hand and was transported to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Authorities say the incident was captured on surveillance video, and cell phone data placed the suspect in the area at the time of the shooting.
Bell is currently being held on a $1 million cash-only bond. The investigation remains ongoing, and additional details may be released as the case progresses.
Officials remind the public that all charges are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
