Judge Refuses Recusal In MTSU Stabbing Death Trial - NewsChannel5.com | Nashville News, Weather & Sports

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (AP) - A judge has refused to recuse himself from presiding over the trial of a former Middle Tennessee State University student charged with stabbing her roommate to death.

Attorney Joe Brandon Jr., who is representing 19-year-old Shanterrica Madden, accused Judge Don Ash of lacking impartiality in the case, due to ties to the university.

However, Ash said there was no "basis of fact" in the accusations and that recusing himself would destroy the public's trust in the court system.

Brandon also asked for the trial to be moved because of media attention. Ash has not decided on that issue.

Madden 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.

The trial was scheduled to start January 31.

Past Stories

• Attorney Seeks New Judge, New Venue In MTSU Stabbing Trial
• Jury Can Ask Questions In MTSU Stabbing Trial
• No Deal For MTSU Student Charged In Player Death
• Attorney: Offer Made To Woman In MTSU Slaying
• Sources Say Plea Deal Possible In MTSU Roommate Murder
• MTSU Murder Suspect Pleads Not Guilty
• Woman Indicted For Murder Of MTSU Basketball Player
• MTSU Roommate Stabbing Case Bound Over To Grand Jury
• DA Will Preserve Electronic Messages In MTSU Stabbing
• MTSU Student Accused Of Murder Released On Bond
• MTSU Student Called Police On Roommate Before Murder
• Funeral Services Set For MTSU Player Killed
• MTSU Takes Steps To Remove Murder Suspect From School
• MTSU Plays in Honor of Murdered Teammate
• Vigil Held Thursday For Slain MTSU Basketball Player
• MTSU To Play In Tournament After Teammate's Death

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