Gabrielle ‘Sam’ Linehan, who represented Team USA in figure skating, has been killed after she was allegedly held at gunpoint by a man also wanted in connection with robberies carried out just days before
A former Team USA figure skater was reportedly ‘executed’ at a Starbucks drive-thru by an alleged robber wanted in connection with a string of offences in the days prior. Gabrielle ‘Sam’ Linehan was a medalist at the 2014 US Synchronised Skating Championships before she became a coach.
However, she was tragically killed on Tuesday in St Louis, Missouri, while in her car at a Starbucks drive-thru. Linehan, 28, was allegedly held at gunpoint before she was shot and killed by Keith Lamon Brown.
Brown, 58, was seen on surveillance video wearing a high-visibility vest and helmet when he walked up to the former figure skater’s car. Police said, via the New York Post, that he ordered her to raise her hands before he opened fire.
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Linehan was rushed to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead. The St. Louis Synergy, the Metro Edge Skating Club’s synchronised figure skating team paid tribute on social media.
A statement read: “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
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“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.”
Brown was arrested and taken into custody on Wednesday and charged with first-degree murder. He also stands accused of first-degree robbery, four counts of Armed Criminal Action, and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm.
The report adds he was already known to the police for two armed robberies he is believed to have carried out two days before Linehan was killed.
According to Fox 2 Now, Brown has a lengthy rap sheet going back to the 1980s, and he is being held at the St Louis City Justice Center without bond.