Mourners Hold Vigil for 7 Office Workers Slain by Gunman

A church that served as a refuge for people fleeing the rampage at Edgewater Technology this week became a place of healing Thursday night as hundreds gathered to pay tribute to the seven people who were killed.

Wreaths, notes and a single teddy bear lined a brick wall outside the Internet company, while the mourners streamed inside St. Joseph’s Church across the street.

“The world has been made smaller by the terrible event that has brought us here tonight,” said Cardinal Bernard Law of Boston’s Roman Catholic Archdiocese. “Out of this unspeakable tragedy we must resolve each one of us to recognize the invaluable dignity of every human being.”

It was in the church where employees sought sanctuary Tuesday as Edgewater employee Michael M. McDermott allegedly shot four women and three men with whom he’d worked for less than a year.

He has pleaded innocent to seven counts of murder. His lawyer said McDermott had been undergoing treatment and taking medication for an undisclosed psychiatric problem.

At the start of the 45-minute service, the names of the victims were solemnly called out: Janice Hagerty. Cheryl Troy. Louis Javelle. Craig Wood. Paul Marceau. Rose Manfredi. Jennifer Bragg Capobianco.

On the altar was a candleholder with seven candles, representing each of the victims. Midway through the service the lights were dimmed for a moment of silent meditation, and then relatives of the victims approached the altar one by one to each light a candle.

Law called on people to “replace a culture of death with a culture of life, a civilization of love.”

Outside, mourners placed mementos to honor the dead. One plaque addressed to the 29-year-old Wood read, in part: “I will miss you dearly. Your friendship and love will never be forgotten. Thank you for being my butterfly. With all of the love in my heart and soul, Krista.”

Another note, tied to a pewter figurine featuring an angel playing a lute, was addressed to all seven victims: “You’re with the angels now. May they love and protect you ever after. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families during this time of loss.”

Steve and Jennifer Casco of Arlington went to college with the 29-year-old Bragg Capobianco and her husband, Jeff Capobianco. They were on the University of Massachusetts’ crew team, spending hours training together and socializing.

Casco said he hoped authorities had somehow gotten it wrong and his friend wasn’t a victim.

“I was floored. I couldn’t believe it,” Casco said.

The crew team alumni have set up a scholarship fund for the Capobiancos’ 2-month-old daughter.