Shanterrica Madden
Tina StewartBy Nick Beres
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. - A possible plea deal may be in the works for the former student accused of killing an MTSU basketball star.
Last week, Shanterrica Madden was arraigned on a first degree murder charge in the death of her roommate, 21-year-old Tina Stewart. The judge set a preliminary trial date for next January.
Madden's attorney Joe Brandon said she acted in self-defense when she stabbed Stewart to death at their off-campus apartment in March.
Sources told NewsChannel 5 this is not a death penalty case. If Madden is convicted of first degree murder, she faces at worst a life sentence with parole. She could be out in 35 years.
However, a jury could find her guilty of voluntary manslaughter with a sentence of only three to six years.
NewsChannel 5 has learned talk of a plea deal will focus on an offer of second degree murder. That's a sentence of 15 to 25 years.
But, Stewart's sister has said the family won't support a plea deal.
Prosecutors and Madden's attorney have not talked publicly about a plea deal. Sources said an offer will come very likely during a series of discussion hearings next month.
Madden is free on bond and living with her family in Memphis.
Stewart's family has also filed a $20-million wrongful death lawsuit against Madden.
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