CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WJZ)—An unexpected delay in the George Huguely murder trial. The former University of Virginia lacrosse player is accused of killing Cockeysville native Yeardley Love.

Adam May has the very latest on the case and local reaction.

This delay means it will be at least a few more days until we get a verdict in court. But in the court of public opinion, Huguely’s defense team faces an uphill battle.

Intense local and national media coverage of the George Huguely murder trial captivates residents of Charlottesville, Va.

“I’d say it’s the talk of town,” said Katharine Beights.

Some locals are wondering if Huguely’s defense team could change their opinions about the lacrosse player’s role in the death of Cockeysville native Yeardley Love, who was found beaten to death inside her off-campus apartment in May 2010.

“I’d say among townies, there’s probably a bias against Huguely,” Beights said.

“I think definitely he has a big sense of responsibility for what happened in there. What happened, we don’t know, but certainly mandates strong punishment,” said Colleen Cole.

The defense team was going to lay out their case Thursday, but suddenly attorney Rhonda Quagliana came down with an illness, canceling day nine of the trial.

“No judge is going to require the defendant, on trial for his life, to move forward if he wants both lawyers there and one of them is sick,” said legal expert Scott Goodman.

Goodman says the prosecutor, who rested Wednesday, presented a strong case that includes medical evidence of blunt force trauma, a motive of jealousy over an affair with another lacrosse player and Huguely’s history of violence.

“I think he’s guilty, and I want them to throw the book at him,” said Tracy Federico.

Federico has been following the story since Love died.

“She never got the chance to get married.  She never got to have a kid. She doesn’t get to know what all those wonderful things could be like,” Federico said.“Her whole life was gonna open up for her, and then it’s just robbed from her.”

The judge indicated he wants this wrapped up soon and sent to the jury before this upcoming Presidents’ Day.

The defense still has to call more witnesses, and then both sides need to present closing arguments.