Why did my LS (32k) die suddenly? It would start but would die soon after

What is your question?

When it died, the car's power steering went out but the stereo and interior electronics functioned fine. The car would start, but would hold idle and die again. Had it towed to a shop (not dealer) and they seem to be struggling with the repair. They seem to think there was a short that fried the alternator and fuel pump and they're struggling with reprograming the the fuel throttle sensor. Are these cars know to have electrical problems. Thanks for you help