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Thursday, March 3, 2011

Middle Tennessee State University Student Athlete Murdered

Police have charged a roommate in the fatal stabbing of a junior women's basketball player at Middle Tennessee State University.

The victim was identified as 21-year-old Tina Stewart of Memphis.

The incident occurred at the Raiders Crossing apartment complex on Hazelwood Street. Stewart was pronounced dead at Middle Tennessee Medical Center in Murfreesboro.

Police said they received a call of a disturbance at the complex at about 6:48 p.m.

According to a news release from the Murfreesboro Police Department, MTSU freshman Shanterrica Madden, 18, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder. Police initially detained a second person. That person has since been ruled out as a suspect. A third individual thought to be involved in the incident as well has also been ruled out as a suspect.

MTSU President Sidney McPhee said he knew Stewart "very well" and said she attended Thanksgiving dinner at his home the past three years. McPhee described the athlete's death as an "unspeakable tragedy" and expressed grief along with thoughts and prayers for Stewart's family.

Counselors will be available to Stewart's coaches and teammates, as well as to any MTSU students who need assistance, in Room 329 of the Keathley University Center on Thursday, or by phone at 615-898-2670.
A vigil is scheduled for 6 p.m. Thursday outside the Murphy Center on campus.

Stewart averaged 5.5 points and 2.5 rebounds in 28 games this season for the Blue Raiders. MTSU is the No. 1 seed from the East and scheduled to start play in the Sun Belt Conference tournament Sunday

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