The news of a delay of the trial of Anthony Mertz, the former Eastern student charged in the murder of Shannon McNamara left some of McNamara’s friends disappointed at the lack of a speedy trial, but were glad it would not transpire over the summer.

Mertz has been charged in the June 12 murder of McNamara, an Eastern student and Alpha Phi Sorority member. He was originally set to stand trial Jan. 22, but a judge ruled Monday that the trial will be delayed to Oct. 7 at the defense’s request so they can better prepare for trial.

Michelle Wroplewski, a senior elementary education major and Alpha Phi member, said she felt a speedier trial would help bring closure to many of McNamara’s friends and family.

“I think it would really help to get it over with,” Wroplewski said.

“Everyone is hoping for a speedy trial.”

Suzi Kunkel, a sophomore health studies major and Alpha Phi member, said she was bothered the first time the trial was delayed in January. However, she thought this delay would be better for students and members of McNamara’s soriety because more people would be able to attend and follow the trial than if was during summer.

“I’d rather it was done already, but now more people can be here for it,” Kunkel said.

Katie Nerroth, a senior mathematics major, said that though she also wants a speedy trial, she wants to see the trial done properly the first time. She said that she felt it must be hard for the family to continue to wait, but she understood that the delay was a precaution to make sure the trial was not prolonged.

“I’d rather see it get done right,” she said.

Christi Fierra, a senior psychology major and Alpha Phi member, said the faster family and friends get closure to the incident, the sooner people can start healing.

“This completely needs closure as so does everyone here,” said Fierra.

Fierra is graduating in May and said will continue to follow the trial from home just as avidly as she would if she was still attending Eastern.

The trial is “taking a toll” on those involved and the faster a verdict is decided, guilty or not, the better for everyone involved, she said.