In America, people on trial for a crime have the guaranteed right to a fair and speedy trial. It’s sad to think that the accused has this guaranteed right while oftentimes the victim or the victim’s family must struggle through all the prolonged legal maneuvering that delays a trial.

On Wednesday, murder suspect Anthony B. Mertz, accused of murdering Shannon McNamara in her off-campus apartment June 12, appeared in court for a pretrial hearing to determine if the prosecution had enough evidence for the case to go to court.

What about McNamara’s family and members of her sorority? Why is it that they do not have the right to a speedy trial?

The campus community suffered a loss this summer of one of its own and it’s time for everyone involved to get a chance to cope with her death.

That is why a speedy trial is needed. State’s Attorney Steve Ferguson said in court Wednesday he would like one more week to decide whether he will seek the death penalty in this case.

While Ferguson is weighing this heavy decision, McNamara’s family and friends continue to grieve and wait for closure. The extra week granted Wednesday adds extra seconds to Mertz’s 15 minutes of fame. If there is enough evidence for this man to be in custody, waiting to stand trial, then there should be enough evidence to decide what his fate will be if found guilty in a court of law.

This decision should not be made lightly. But it should have been made within a reasonable amount of time, and more than two months have passed since Mertz was arrested and charged with murder.

No one can undo the events that happened on the night of June 12. And another week only prolongs the pain and suffering of family, friends and the community of Eastern.

It is time for a decision to be made and a trial to begin. Only then, after justice has been served, can the true healing begin.

The editorial is the opinion of the editorial board of The Daily Eastern News.