ABC7NEWS.COM: Friends of hiker fatally shot near Fairfax speak out
FAIRFAX, Calif. (KGO) -- The family of a prominent yoga teacher who was fatally shot on a trail near Fairfax told ABC7 News exclusively that they're relieved there's been an arrest and hope the suspects will get help.
Steve Carter, 67, is being remembered by family members as a caring man who loved helping others.
VIDEO: Three arrested in death of hiker near Fairfax
Before the suspects were arrested, police asked Carter's wife Lokita if he had any enemies and she said no.
The family spokesperson said Carter was a true humanitarian and the nicest person he had ever met.
"I doesn't change the fact that someone great is gone," close family friend Mary Alice Kirincic said.
"I think Steve would want to make sure that they would get the help they need," Carter family spokesperson Paul Kirincic said.
RAW VIDEO: Three arrested in death of yoga teacher near Fairfax
Paul and Mary were close friends with Carter and his wife. They met at the Ecstatic Living Institute, which Carter founded. "They helped a lot of people over time with just making their relationships richer, fuller and better," Paul said.
The Carters moved to Costa Rica after he retired, but they moved back so his wife could be treated at Marin General Hospital after she was diagnosed with cancer.
Paul is the chairman of the board at the hospital. The Carters were staying at his home during Lokita's treatments.
On Monday, the two men were repairing the irrigation system in the Kirincic's yard. "He decided to go into Fairfax to pick up the parts, to run some errands, to take his dog for a walk," Paul said.
Every afternoon, Carter would take his dog Coco on a walk. "He'd never been on the trail on white hill and since it was close, he decided that would be the place to go for a walk that particular afternoon," Paul said.
So, Carter went to the Old Railroad Grade Trail with Coco on Monday and the Kirincic's and his wife went to bed early. "Around 2 a.m., Lokita woke up. Steve was not here, she was worried and about 105 hours later, the police arrived," Paul said.
Carter was found still holding Coco's leash. The dog had also been shot in the jaw and Chest, but is expected to survive.
