Mourners gather to remember third of three women slain in Dorchester

By Brian Ballou, Globe Staff

About 800 mourners gathered today at the Grace of All Nations Church in Dorchester to lay to rest Genevieve Phillip, one of three women killed earlier this month as they sat in a parked car in the neighborhood.

Phillip’s was the third funeral of the women, and once again, the call sounded from the pulpit for witnesses to help authorities solve the triple slaying and for friends of the victims to leave vengeance “in God’s hands.”

“We are in pain and don’t understand what could have possibly pushed a sick individual who so recklessly and callously stole Genevieve from us,’’ said Boston City Councilor Charles Yancey. “We don’t want vigilante actions to be taken against that sick individual who needs help. But we cannnot allow this to stand.”

Phillip died alongside Sharrice Perkins and Kristen Lartey, her two close friends since high school. The three 22-year-olds were fatally shot as they sat in a car parked on Harlem Street on Aug. 12. Another friend was also in the car but survived after being struck in the leg. The four women had just toasted their friendship during a popular festival and cookout at Franklin Park.

No arrests have been made. Police have said the shootings appear to be gang-related and that one of the victims was specifically targeted. Authorities have declined to say which woman was targeted or what the specific motive may have been.

Phillip, who was a Milton resident, left behind a 5-year-old daughter, Aria.

Brian Ballou can be reached at bballou@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter at @globeballou.