In stop n go traffic the check engine lite can on, car started running really bad, tried to keep it going, died, started 1 more time, could not get out of park, never to start again.

Wild guess---the distributor.Any more details you can give? Like how many miles since the last timing belt replacement? Last time spark plugs were checked/replaced? ....OR the alternator failed , leading to the dead battery , leading to the stalled car leading to the post on repair pal , with no reply , cause you are putting an alternator on your car , while someone else is charging the battery!