MTSU junior Tina Stewart stabbed to death, school president reaches out to students

Photo: Middle Tennessee Athletics

Middle Tennessee junior guard Tina Stewart died Wednesday night after being stabbed to death. Police arrested her roommate, Shanterrica Madden, an 18-year-old freshman, in connection with the murder according to the Daily News Journal newspaper in Murfreesboro.

“There was an argument,” said Murfreesboro Police Spokesman Kyle Evans. “During that argument, Madden stabbed the victim.”

Stewart, 21, was a native of Memphis and played high school basketball at Central High School. The Blue Raider family will gather in vigil Thursday night at Murphy Center, 6 p.m. to honor Stewart.

Middle Tennessee (23-6, 14-2 Sun Belt) finished their season with a win Sunday afternoon over Western Kentucky. Stewart played 20 minutes the game and finished with seven points, four rebounds, one steal and one assist. The win earned the Blue Raiders a bye in the first round of the conference tournament which begins Saturday in Hot Springs, Arkansas.

MTSU President Dr. Sidney McPhee released a letter about the incident:

I am writing you to convey my sorrow and grief – not only as the president of our University, but as a father myself – over the loss of Tina Stewart, a wonderful, talented and vibrant young woman and gifted student athlete.

Tina, a junior from Memphis and a member of the Lady Raiders basketball team, was killed at her apartment earlier this evening. Murfreesboro police, who handled the investigation since the incident happened off campus, made an arrest about 11 p.m. tonight. There are no other suspects sought in connection with the crime.

I spoke with Tina’s father this evening to personally express our sorrow and let him know that our University family is united in grief with him. The anguish we feel cannot be adequately expressed.

Our campus counselors have been alerted and are ready to assist and comfort students in dealing with this horrible tragedy. Right now, we are focusing on Tina’s teammates, coaches and friends. Starting at 8 a.m. Thursday, counselors will be available to any students needing assistance. They can be found in room 329 of the Keathley University Center or by calling 898-2670.

We are planning a vigil in honor of Tina at 6 p.m. Thursday at the Murphy Center. More details will come later Thursday. Meanwhile, I know many of you are looking for ways to express your grief and concern immediately, so I wanted to let you know people can leave expressions of remembrance on the steps at the northeast corner of the Murphy Center, the entrance closest to the Kennon Hall of Fame building.

On behalf of all of us who love and treasure Tina, our hearts are heavy with grief and our thoughts and prayers are with her and her family.

Sidney A. McPhee
President