Middle Tennessee State University's Tina Stewart Stabbed to Death
Another tragic death befell college athletics when Middle Tennessee State University’s Tina Stewart, a 21 year-old junior guard from Memphis, Tennessee, was stabbed to death on Wednesday night by her roommate Shanterrica Madden. Stewart was a key veteran on the Blue Raiders despite coming off the bench after starting in a career-high 14 games this season. Stewart’s untimely death came just as the Blue Raiders (23-6; 14-2) were preparing to defend their Sun Belt Conference Tournament title as the Eastern Conference’s top seed. The Blue Raiders play on Sunday and are trying to guarantee themselves a 14th trip to the NCAA tournament by winning the Conference title. On Thursday, after grieving the death of their fallen teammate, the Blue Raiders decided that they would play in the Conference Tournament and would seek to defend their title because according to senior guard Anne Marie Lanning, “We know Tina would want us to go out and play.” As for the criminal aspect of this matter, Shanterrica Madden, has been charged with first-degree murder and is being held without bond. Madden’s attorney, Joe Brandon, told The Associated Press that his client used Stewart’s own knife in self-defense during a fight, however, he did not say what the altercation was about. Mr. Brandon said, “Miss Stewart, who was an athlete, had Miss Madden down on the ground beating on her. Miss Madden has an abrasion above her left eye, looks like perhaps a fingernail. She has swelling to both of her eyes. And during the course of the fight, a knife belonging to Miss Stewart that was in Miss Stewart’s possession ended up getting used on Miss Stewart.” Murfreesboro police spokesman Kyle Evans wrote in an email to the AP that possible drug use inside the apartment is part of the overall investigation and police believe first-degree murder is the appropriate charge. Mr. Brandon said he will file a motion asking that bond be set for Madden. She is scheduled back in Rutherford County General Sessions Court on March 11. In Tennessee, the punishment for first degree murder could include a life in prison, life in prison without the possibility of parole, or the death penalty.
Guest Blogger: Mitchell Ayes
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