Shanterrica Madden
Tina StewartMURFREESBORO, Tenn. (AP) - A Murfreesboro judge ruled the jury will be able to ask questions at the trial of a former Middle Tennessee State University student charged with stabbing her roommate to death.
Shanterrica Madden, 19, has said she acted in self-defense when she killed MTSU basketball player Tina Stewart during a fight on March 2. Madden is charged with first-degree murder.
At a hearing on Monday, defense attorney Joe Brandon Jr. introduced several motions, including one asking the jury not be allowed to question witnesses. Although the practice is allowed in Tennessee courts, Brandon claimed the practice is unconstitutional.
The judge ruled against the motion but agreed to work with attorneys on ways to improve the practice.
The trial is set for January 31.
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