MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (AP) — A Tennessee woman convicted of murder in the stabbing death of a Middle Tennessee State University basketball player has lost her appeal.
The Daily News Journal reports the Tennessee Court of Appeals handed down its opinion on Wednesday in the case of Shanterrica Madden, who was charged with killing her roommate, basketball player Tina Stewart. Madden argued that she killed Stewart in self-defense.
Defense Attorney Joe Brandon argued a new trial was in order because Judge Don Ash was a Facebook friend of Stewart's coach, Rick Insell. Prosecutors said the two men met once, but didn't know each other personally.
The appeals judges reaffirmed Madden's conviction on charges of second-degree murder and tampering with evidence.
The state has little precedence governing use of social media by judges.