Jurors begin deliberation on 1st degree murder charges against Shanterrica Madden.

May 13, 2012 at 02:50 pm by bryan


After four-days, on Saturday jurors heard final arguments in Shanterrica Madden's trial. Closing arguments are set for 9:00 o'clock Monday morning, and deliberation begins after that. She is charged with the first degree murder of her roommate Tina Stewart on March 2, 2011 at their Raiders Crossing Apartment.

District Attorney General Bill Whitsell acussed Madden of having selective memory, when she testified that she did not remember using the deceased MTSU basketball player's cell phone to text messages to Stewart's boyfriend. 

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Madden reportedly began appologizing to Stewart's family early in the trial. 

To assure that jurors had not been exposed to local sentiments and pre-case publicity, as well as to avoid any west Tennessee ties, the 12 were chosen from Chattanooga area.

If convicted of premediated first degree murder, the 21-year old former MTSU student from Memphis could be sentenced to 51-years. If a second degree murder charge is issued, Madden would receive not less than 15 years and not more than 60 years in prison. Judge Don Ash will make those decisions after the jury hands down its verdict. 

Background

The roommate of MTSU basketball standout Tina Stewart was indicted Thursday, July 7, 2011 on charges of first degree murder and tampering with evidence. Shanterrica Madden, her 18-year old roommate was arrested in the case. Both women were from Memphis, however university officials indicate they did not know each other prior to sharing the apartment together. 

The Lady Raider basketball guard was fatally stabbed on May 2, 2011 in her room at the Raiders Crossing Apartment on Hazelwood Street. 21-year old Stewart was rushed to Middle Tennessee Medical Center where she was pronounced deceased. 

 

 

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