By Daily Press Staff
DOWNTOWN While they were gathered to celebrate the groundbreaking of a new maintenance facility, officials with the Big Blue Bus earlier this week said they felt it was important to take time to remember one of their own, driver Sharon Carter, who was shot and killed in front of her two sons Sunday evening.
Police believe that Carter, 31, who was believed to be two months pregnant, died almost immediately after being shot in the head while driving in the 9600 block of South Compton Avenue. Authorities said Carter’s boyfriend, Stephen Mark Picart, 33, was riding with her and her two sons, 4, and 14, when the couple began fighting. Picart allegedly pulled out a gun and shot Carter. He turned himself in on Monday, police said.
“This is a tragic loss,” said Stephanie Negriff, BBB director. “Sharon was the light of our organization … She will surely be missed.”
Carter, who joined the BBB in January of 2007, quickly became a valued member of the organization and was known for her bright smile and her willingness to reach out to people in need.
BBB offered grief counseling for employees Tuesday and are expected to do the same today.
Funeral arraignments have not yet been made public.
According to reports, Carter and Picart were both bus drivers. Picart drove Los Angeles Unified School District students for a contract bus company called First Student.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on September 26, 2007. Read the original PDF.