Trial Beginning-IMPORTANT

SIUAPHI · #1 01-30-2003, 03:26 AM

I am not sure how many of you are aware of the Alpha Phi who was murdered at Eastern Illinois University. Her name was Shannon McNamera and she was a senior at the time. The trial for the man accused of the crime has been dragged out over a year now, but is beginning this coming Monday February 3. I go to a neighboring college and have heard alot about it on the news and radio. I also know that many of the girls there are planning on attending the trial since it is taking place right there in town. My chapter is planning on sending a card or flowers as this is sure to be a tough time for the chapter. I wanted to share the address in case your chapters wished to do the same. Please pass it on to any other chapters you may be in contact with.

Zeta Alpha Chapter of Alpha Phi
1013 Greek Court
Charleston IL 61920

Please keep Shannon's family and friends in your prayers during this difficult time......

Aphigal · #2 01-31-2003, 10:34 PM

Thank you for your post. I remember being at work when I received notice from the Executive Office that Shannon had been murdered. It was the day before my birthday. I searched the news everyday till not too long afterward I found that a man had been arrested and charged.

Although the trial is starting soon I just want anyone who knows Shannon to know she is never far from my thoughts and prayers even though I never knew her.

For those of you who don't know Erin Weed founded Girls Fight Back to honor Shannon and show other women how to fight for their life just as Shannon did that day.

Maharet · #3 02-01-2003, 02:18 PM

Hi -

I heard about Shannon and how she touched the lives of all she encountered...I read about it in the news of the area...According to her family (in the article I read), she was buried in her Alpha Phi sweatshirt because of her deep love for Alpha Phi! WOW!

I hope the trial is qiuck and concise and all goes well so that no mistakes are made. Prayers should go to the family as this will not be over until this trial is done...AOE never meant so much as it does now!

AOE Always, Maharet

bruinaphi · #4 02-01-2003, 02:24 PM

No words can describe the sympathy I feel for Shannon's family, friends and chapter sisters. Sitting through a murder trial for someone you love is one of the hardest things anyone can go through.

I will have everyone in Shannon's life in my thoughts and prayers over the next few weeks.

aoe,

Laura

auntieaub · #5 02-01-2003, 02:43 PM

i'm sending a note of encouragement to her chapter on behalf of the overseas phis alumnae chapter.

i will keep them and shannon in my thoughts.

aubrey

IheartAphi · #6 05-30-2003, 09:22 PM

How has the trial been going? Does anyone have an update.

I read that one of her sisters created a wonderful self defense program for girls in their area. I can not imagine how awful that whole ordeal is for the chapter and especially her family.

Aphigal · #7 05-30-2003, 11:59 PM

The trail ended some time ago. He was convicted and received the death penalty. Although there never really can be closure for Shannon's family, sisters, and friends there is justice for her.

ivygal · #8 06-03-2003, 03:12 PM

Here is the address to a well written article concerning her friend and the "Girls Fight Back" program.

http://www.thetowerlight.com/vnews/d.../3d8e6308c2bfa

Self-defense is something that needs to be second hand to us all. I'm lucky: my dad was a bouncer, my boyfriend is in the military so I was taught a lot. Plus I own a gun. In a world where serial killers and stalkers run our streets I encourage everyone to take some for of self-defense, get walked to their car at night, and carry pepper spray.

My thoughts and prayers are with her family.

AYE FEE · #9 06-04-2003, 01:10 AM

Jury in Illinois imposes 1st new death sentence
By JIM PAUL The Associated Press
updated: 02/27/2003 03:38 AM

CHARLESTON, Ill. - A Coles County jury decided Wednesday to impose the first death sentence in Illinois since former Gov. George Ryan emptied death row with a blanket clemency last month.

Anthony B. Mertz of Charleston was sentenced to die for the June 2001 rape and killing of 21-year-old Shannon McNamara, a student at Eastern Illinois University.

Mertz's conviction will be automatically appealed to the state Supreme Court, and a spokesman for Gov. Rod Blagojevich said the governor has extended former Gov. Ryan's freeze on executions.

Mertz, 26, showed no visible reaction as he sat shackled at the defense table while the jury's verdict was read by Circuit Judge Dale Cini.

After the jury left the courtroom, McNamara's mother, Cindy, exclaimed "You got him Shannon!"

"Shannon fought so hard for this," she said later through tears. "She would never allow this to happen to someone else."

"She destroyed this evil. She's our hero."

Mertz's two sisters and grandmother sat across the aisle from the McNamaras. His grandmother, Dorothy French of Rossville, cried quietly, and the sisters showed no visible reaction.

Shannon McNamara was killed in her off-campus apartment, which was across the street from Mertz's. Her mutilated body was found posed on her living room floor. Tom Schafer, a spokesman for the governor, said later that no one will be executed in Illinois until the Legislature enacts reforms.

Ryan commuted all 167 of Illinois' death sentences just days before he left office, reducing most to life in prison.

Mertz testified Tuesday that he has no memory of killing McNamara and testified that he often suffered blackouts while he was drunk.

Mertz's attorney, David Williams, had asked the jury to spare his client's life, arguing that Mertz's bad childhood and an adult life of alcohol and drug abuse led to his criminal acts and justify the jury's mercy.

Prosecutor Ed Parkinson countered: "He's a predator. He found his prey. He killed it, and he mutilated her."

Paula Phillips, another of Mertz's court-appointed attorneys, said she thought the jury's decision signaled a backlash against Ryan's clemency decision.

Coles County State's Attorney Steve Ferguson said he felt the jury's decision was the right one. "I feel the system triumphed," he said.

VSUPhiMu · #10 06-04-2003, 03:01 PM

I hate to crash your board, but I saw this post on Shannon McNamara and got interested. I searched her name and am really just amazed by how many people have such wonderful things to say about her. Alpha Phi is lucky to have had such a beautiful Sister!

ShaunaF01 · #11 07-10-2003, 11:19 AM

Erin Weed came to my school last year. I HIGHLY suggest her program...she is amazing!! Her dedication to training women is incredible and she's a really sweet woman. Erin and Shannon were both truly blessed to have one another.