We are sad to announce that MTS has lost three valued employees. We may never know the circumstances that caused one employee to fatally shoot two others. Our deepest sympathies go to all of the surviving members of their families.

MTS has joined with its two major labor unions—the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and the Amalgamated Transit Union—to establish memorial funds for the families of Ben Mwangi and Michael Stevenson. We hope you will consider joining us to help these families in their time of need. We will accept donations large and small through June 1 and then present a check to each of the families.

If you are able to donate, please make checks or money orders payable to the following funds:

Ben N. Mwangi Memorial Fund

Michael B. Stevenson Memorial Fund

Checks and money orders can be sent to:

Metropolitan Transit System
C/O Memorial Funds
1255 Imperial Avenue, Suite 1000
San Diego, CA 92101

Ben Mwangi is survived by his wife, Mary, and two children, ages 10 and 17. Ben had worked for MTS for two years as a Maintenance Foreman. Previously, he was a Maintenance Supervisor for National City Transit.

Michael Stevenson had worked for MTS for 31 years. We hired Mike in 1978 as a cleaner and he advanced to Mechanic A. He is survived by his wife Jeri.

This loss has affected everyone here at MTS. There is a deep sense of loss and shock, but we continue to work hard to make sure our customers receive the best possible service.

San Diego Police officials are continuing their complete investigation with the full cooperation of MTS. The San Diego Police Department is the official source of all information regarding the shootings.

We recognize that this tragedy touches our entire family of riders and employees. We appreciate and thank you for your understanding and concern during this sensitive and tragic time.