Fox Sports is reporting that Middle Tennessee State Lady Raiders player Clantina "Tina" Stewart was killed on Wednesday. The murder came just days before the team is scheduled to play in the Sun Belt Conference tournament this weekend.
According to Steve Eubanks of Fox Sports, Stewart was stabbed multiple times in her apartment at the Raiders Crossings complex, an off-campus apartment building catering to MTSU students, at about 7 p.m. CT on Wednesday. Stewart had been stabbed in the chest. She died from her injuries at a local hospital. Police arrested her roommate, 18-year-old freshman Shanterrica Madden. According to police spokesman Kyle Evans, "There was an argument. During that argument, Madden stabbed the victim."
On Tuesday, Stewart had spoken with boosters and patrons about the team's chances in the tournament and about the positive support she felt from the community of Murfreesboro. Athletic Director Chris Massaro says, "The team is devastated." He added, "We will work on this together, one step at a time."
A vigil was held Thursday evening, and grief counselors are being provided by the university to help students and staff cope with the tragedy. Despite spending most of Thursday grieving over the loss of their teammate, the Blue Raiders decided to play in the Sun Belt Conference tournament.
During the press conference announcing that the Blue Raiders would play, the men's team stood behind the women, with all the players wearing purple ribbons and stickers reading "20gether" in honor of Stewart's jersey No. 20, in a show of unity. Parker was 21. A senseless murder and ending to a promising life.
Read more at Fox Sports.
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