Hand on coffin

CHICAGO (AP) -- A prominent Chicago pastor is remembering a slain 15-year-old girl as the face of an "epidemic of violence causing funeral processions around the country."

Father Michael Pfleger spoke at Hadiya (hi-DEE'-uh) Pendleton's funeral Saturday, telling a packed South Side church that "we must become the interrupters of funeral processions."

Pendleton was a band majorette and honor student who was shot and killed on Jan. 29, just a few days after performing for events surrounding President Barack Obama's inauguration.

Police say Pendleton was an innocent victim in a gang-related shooting.

First lady Michelle Obama, Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn and Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel were among dignitaries attending the funeral.