A fast-food order that spiraled into gunfire at a Steak N Shake drive-thru has now led to charges against a second suspect in the April 8 shooting that killed 32-year-old employee Chauncia Meekins and wounded another worker. Prosecutors allege Torriono Baker and 20-year-old Jada Bell both fired into the Bellefontaine Road restaurant during an argument over a food order. Baker is facing multiple felony counts and is being held on a $600,000 cash-only bond.
Second suspect charged and weapon tied to case
According to Spectrum News, court records state that Baker purchased a .45-caliber Glock handgun in February. Investigators later recovered a handgun outdoors near a relative of Bell. Prosecutors say the weapon was matched by serial number to the gun used in the Steak N Shake shooting.
Baker is charged with six felonies: first-degree murder, three counts of armed criminal action, first-degree assault and unlawful use of a weapon. His bond is set at $600,000 cash only, and as of Wednesday afternoon, a court date for Baker had not yet been scheduled, Spectrum News reports.
What police say about the April 8 shooting
St. Louis County Police described the confrontation in an April statement, saying surveillance video shows a vehicle pulling up to the drive-thru and a dispute that escalated before shots were fired through the window. The department's probable-cause summary says cellphone data and witness accounts were used to place a suspect at the scene, and notes that Meekins was pronounced dead at the restaurant. For the department's full account, see St. Louis County Police.
Family reaction
Family members gathered outside the Spanish Lake restaurant for a vigil, calling the killing senseless and urging prosecutors to pursue the harshest penalties available. Meekins' mother told reporters the argument that led to the shooting was over onion rings and said her daughter had only been on the job for a few months. Local coverage of the family's vigil and the investigation is available from First Alert 4.
Court dates and next steps
Court records show Bell was charged last month and has a preliminary hearing set for June 16, according to Spectrum News. Prosecutors say they plan to present their evidence at that hearing while the county homicide team continues to review the case and consider any penalty recommendations. Baker's arraignment and additional court dates have not yet been posted.
St. Louis County Police are asking anyone with information to contact investigators at 636-529-8210 or CrimeStoppers at 1-866-371-8477, according to the department's release. Detectives say tips, surveillance video and cellphone data remain critical as the investigation moves forward.
