Crime
Chauncia La’Shell Meekins killed after shooting at St. Louis County Steak ‘n Shake restaurant
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — A late-night shooting at a Steak ’n Shake restaurant in North St. Louis County has left one employee dead and another injured following a dispute in the drive-thru, according to police.
Officers from the St. Louis County Police Department’s North County Precinct were dispatched at approximately 11:35 p.m. on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, to a reported shooting at a location near Bellefountaine Road and Interstate 270.
Upon arrival, officers discovered two employees inside the restaurant suffering from gunshot wounds.
An adult female employee, identified by family as 32-year-old Chauncia La’Shell Meekins, was pronounced deceased at the scene.
A second victim, an adult male employee, sustained gunshot injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital, where he is being treated for injuries described as non-life-threatening.
Preliminary findings indicate that the shooting stemmed from a confrontation in the drive-thru involving restaurant employees and individuals inside a vehicle.
During the dispute, an occupant of the vehicle allegedly fired a weapon through the drive-thru window, striking both employees inside the business.
Witnesses reported that the altercation may have been related to a food order, though investigators have not confirmed specific details.
Family members stated that Meekins had been employed at the restaurant for approximately three months and had spoken with relatives during a break earlier that evening, just hours before the incident.
The suspect or suspects fled the scene, and no arrests have been made at this time.
Detectives are actively investigating the case and are urging anyone with information to contact the St. Louis County Police Department at 636-529-8210.
Anonymous tips may also be submitted through CrimeStoppers at 1-866-371-TIPS (8477), where callers may be eligible for a reward.
Crime
Celeste Gusman, 66, Dies After Stabbing at Kalihi Business in Honolulu; Police Investigate as Homicide
HONOLULU, Hawaii — A 66-year-old woman has died following a stabbing at a business in Honolulu’s Kalihi neighborhood, leaving her family, friends, and the local community grieving a tragic loss.
The victim was identified as Celeste Gusman, according to the Honolulu Police Department. Officers responded to a business in the 2300 block of North School Street at approximately 3:20 p.m. Wednesday after receiving a report of a stabbing.
When officers arrived, they found Gusman suffering from a stab wound. Emergency medical personnel quickly began providing advanced lifesaving treatment at the scene before transporting her to a nearby hospital in critical condition. Despite medical efforts, Gusman later succumbed to her injuries.
Authorities also reported that another woman, who is in her 60s, sustained minor injuries during the incident. According to the information released, she was injured in a fall amid the disturbance and was transported to a hospital in stable condition.
No further details about the circumstances surrounding the second woman’s injuries have been provided.
Following the incident, police initially arrested a 23-year-old man on suspicion of second-degree attempted murder. After Gusman died from her injuries, authorities reclassified the case as a murder investigation.
Investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances that led to the stabbing. Police have not yet released information about what may have triggered the incident or whether the suspect knew Gusman.
The suspect’s arrest and the ongoing investigation do not establish guilt. Further details are expected as authorities continue gathering evidence and determining the events that led to the fatal attack.
The death of Celeste Gusman at 66 has brought sadness to those affected by this incident. A place of business in a familiar neighborhood became the scene of a tragedy, and loved ones are now facing the difficult reality of losing someone important to them.
While many questions remain unanswered, the loss of life has deeply affected the community. Friends, relatives, and neighbors are left remembering Gusman and hoping that the investigation will bring clarity about what happened.
Please keep Celeste Gusman’s family, friends, and loved ones in your thoughts during this difficult time. The injured woman and everyone affected by the incident also deserve support as they recover.
May Celeste Gusman rest in peace. May her loved ones find comfort, strength, and healing in the days ahead.