The judge in the case involving the murder of a star MTSU basketball player has refused to recuse himself from the trial after a request was filed by attorney Joe Brandon, Jr. Brandon represents 19-year old Shanterrica Madden who claims she stabbed Tina Stewart to death in self defense this past March. Brandon accused Judge Don Ash of lacking impartiality in the case. Brandon has also asked for a change of venue for the trial because he says the story has received too much media attention in Rutherford County. Madden faces first degree murder charges.