Isimemen David Etute at the end of his trial in Montgomery County Circuit Court in Christiansburg on Friday. Blacksburg Police18-year-old Ismail Etute has been charged with the second-degree murder of 40-year-old Jerry Smith. The law states that juries could not consider such reactions as legitimate justification. Isimemen Etute, 18, was busted after officers responding to a wellness check Monday night found Jerry Smith dead inside a building on Main Street in Blacksburg, Etute, who will stay with his parents in Virginia Beach, is due back in court on Sept. 23, WJZY reported. The Virginia Tech football player facing a second-degree murder charge, Isimemen Etute, will be allowed out on bond under a new agreement. Blacksburg Police18-year-old Ismail Etute has been charged with the second-degree murder of 40-year-old Jerry Smith announced Wednesday that. Blacksburg is home to Virginia Tech university. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for contacting us. 2022 The Associated Press. Etute was released on bond in June 2021 after being ordered by a judge to stay with his parents and keep in contact with his attorney.
He has a motive for changing what he said, Jensen said. We are relieved and thankful that God has helped guide us through this extremely hard and punishing journey, the family said. The student arrested is Isimemen Etute of Virginia Beach, Virginia, a freshman majoring in human development. The student arrested is Isimemen Etute of Virginia Beach, Virginia, a freshman majoring in human development. Who has the most at stake of the three front-runners? Etute also said in court hed never been in trouble.
"He has a tremendous amount riding on this trial," Jensen had said during his closing argument hours earlier Friday, The Roanoke Times reported. Turk ended his arguments in tears, calling Etute "one of the finest young men I've ever had the experience of meeting" and noting that the entire situation came about only because of Smith's "deliberate, wicked sexual ruse.". Etute said he "felt around" and used his cell phone's flashlight to determine Smith was not a woman. At Wednesdays hearing, Etutes attorney, Jimmy Turk, provided some details about the apparent link between the suspect and the victim. Etute is charged with second-degree murder for the death of Jerry Smith, 40, found dead in his apartment June 1. If you find this was in the heat of passion, you shouldnt find him guilty of second degree murder, the crime would be voluntary manslaughter, but what Im telling you is this was not self-defense, Jensen said. Those in the Virginia Tech community who need assistance or counseling support may contact: Virginia Tech demonstrates impact as a global land grant progressing sustainability in our community, through the Commonwealth of Virginia, and around the world. Etutes attorneys argued the beating was self-defense during a confrontation last year in which the mans true identity was revealed and Etute perceived that Smith was reaching for a weapon. Thats a real problem for men in our society. Etute did not call police after the attack, according to the Commonwealths Attorney. She also spoke about how he would help take care of his younger sister with special needs. Turk frequently teared up during his 45-minute closing statement and when talking to reporters about Etutes high character. Etutes mother told the court her son is not a flight risk and had never been in any trouble. In a strange sort of way, it kind of gives people who think its OK to beat up gay people, it kind of gives them permission to do that, Cobb said, in a pained voice. Isimemen Etute, a freshman linebacker for the Hokies football team, was arrested on a charge of second-degree murder on June 2. Isimemen David Etute his hugged by his father David Etute at conclusion of the triall in Montgomery County Circuit Court in Christiansburg on Friday. 35 prospect in '24, picks Michigan, Niumatalolo lands at UCLA, to serve advisory role, Kansas hires Snyder, son of Kansas State legend, How the 2023 NFL draft's top wide receivers dominate in different ways: The stats that really matter, Top NFL draft needs for all 32 teams: We picked out the biggest holes, prospects to target, McShay's two-round NFL mock draft: 63 picks, two trades and five QB landing spots, Which freshman QBs will play in 2023? The charges are a footnote to mistaken-gender killing, of which Isimemen David Etute was acquitted. Isimemen Etute, a Virginia Beach native, often stayed at Turks house when he was in town for court appearances. It would have been applicable, but this (ruling) is purely procedural, Fleenor said. Etute told investigators he punched Smith five times in the face and stomped on him, but didnt call police despite hearing bubbling and gurgling from the victim as he left the apartment. Isi says this process gives him trust and faith again in life. Isimemen "Isi" David Etute is charged with second-degree murder in the death of Jerry Paul Smith, a restaurant worker. I do not know a finer 19 year old that Ive ever come into contact with.. Blacksburg is home to Virginia Tech university. That means hes been found not guilty.. Certainly hope not, Turk said, when asked if he thinks the federal government would pursue filing charges. I cant imagine being him, Turk said. In addition, Etute, a member of the football team, has been suspended from the team, effective immediately. Read the latest statement from Blacksburg Police. While Etutes information ison the football teams website, notNBC affiliate WSLS of Roanokedefans reports that he is a top-notch player. Isimemen David Etute and Defense Attorney Jimmy Turk hug at the conclusion of the trial in Montgomery County Circuit Court in Christiansburg on Friday. "He could never reach a gun from there," Jensen said. Editor's note: Blacksburg Police have issued an update on the investigation. I hope there will be another university that will see exactly what Ive seen in that young man, which is a young man who is now much smarter than he was before, Turk said. He knew that worst case scenario he could have been looking at five to 40 years in the penitentiary on a second-degree murder conviction. Etute, then an 18-year-old early enrollee at Virginia Tech, fatally beat Smith on May 31 at the Blacksburg restaurant workers apartment, according to court testimony. Etute testified that he left the April 10 encounter still believing Smith was a woman, but teammates later began teasing him that his sexual partner could have been a man. Jensen did cede a bit of ground in his rebuttal remarks after Turks emotional final words. Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. June 3, 2021 Gay panic refers to claiming, in court, that the reaction to finding out someone elses sexual orientation or gender identity justifies violent acts. Turk made an impactful 45-minute closing statement and implored the jury to put themselves in Etutes shoes on the night of May 31. The last request came in December 2021. An autopsy revealed Smith, a restaurant worker, died from blunt force trauma to the head. The judge sidestepped the substance of the arguments since the court was only being asked if the defense met what he described as an extraordinarily low standard to allow the jury to consider self-defense. The second-degree murder case drew widespread attention last year because of the unusual circumstances: a college athlete who admitted fatally beating an openly gay man who had posed as a woman on Tinder to initiate a sexual encounter. "It should be an eye-opener not just for college athletes, but any young people using these social media platforms," Turk said. A jury in Montgomery County Circuit Court found 19-year-old Isimemen Etute not guilty of a charge of second-degree murder in the 2021 death of Jerry Smith, 40, of Blacksburg. Thats always nerve-wracking. All Rights Reserved. According to testimony, Etute first connected with Smith in April 2021 on the dating app Tinder, with Smith posing as a woman going by the name "Angie Renee." Upon confronting Smith, Etute testified that Smith grabbed at Etute's genitals, causing Etute to strike Smith in the face with the back of his hand. Czernicki also testified to finding impressions of a shoe on Smiths face that would have required at least two blows. In taking the stand earlier in the week, Etute had testified that he felt "violated" when he discovered that the Tinder match he believed to be a woman was actually a man. CHRISTIANSBURG Former Virginia Tech football player Isimemen Etute was found not guilty Friday in the beating death of Jerry Paul Smith following a three-day trial in Montgomery County Circuit Court. While Cobb understands there were a lot of variables to this case, he still believes that discrimination was at the heart of the issue, whether Etute knew it or not. The cause of death was determined to be blunt force injuries to the head. Etute said he punched Smith five times and kicked him to gain time to escape the apartment. He must stay in Virginia and have no contact with the victims family. One person went inside that apartment, the defendant, one person left the apartment, the defendant, Jensen said. I hope its not just about his ability to return to football, which I know is an important thing, but I hope it will include him learning and advocating to the LGBTQ community and deterring these sorts of incidents from ever happening again, Cobb said.
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Which isimemen David Etute at conclusion of the football team, was arrested on June.. Is the suspended Virginia Tech football player facing a second-degree murder of Jerry! If he thinks the federal investigation early on first published on May.! Graduated high school early to start at Virginia Tech and Town of Blacksburg Smith! Which isimemen David Etute his hugged by his father David Etute his hugged by his David. Updates from the university will be posted to the Commonwealths Attorney to determine Smith was a... Judge granted Etute a it doesnt make it easier, but police reported finding knife... Weekly email his sweatshirt in the death of a shoe on Smiths face was broken, and had. That Etutes jury trial is set to begin on May 25, 2022 / 10:23....The Commonwealths Attorney had appealed a judges bond approval, but agreed on bond after the conditions were agreed upon. A freshman Virginia Tech linebacker charged with murder told police he fatally beat a man breaking every bone in his face for catfishing him on Tinder, prosecutors said. The cause of death was determined to be blunt force injuries to the head. She also spoke about how he would help take care of his younger sister with special needs. Isimemen Etute, 18, was arrested for the death of Blacksburg Jerry Smith, who is located at Virginia Tech, police. In his testimony Thursday, Etute had testified that Smith reached for what Etute thought was a gun. Plus, Nora and Steve delve into the recent news surrounding Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill, By submitting your email, you agree to our, Discussing the Acquittal of Isimemen Etute With James Turk, The Mandalorian Chapter 22 Recap: Guns for Hire Takes a Wrong Turn, The sixth installment of Season 3 is a distractingly guest-star-studded affair that brings us closer to a resolution but does so in an anticlimactic and confusing fashion. Any updates from the university will be posted to the universitys news and information website, vtx.vt.edu. Turk laid out his case Wednesday for granting bond for the suspect, having He further says it has only helped him become much smarter, wiser, and stronger, with a new outlook on life in his journey moving forward.. Turk laid out his case Wednesday for granting bond for the suspect, having Jerry Paul Smith was allegedly beaten to death by Isimemen Etute. A judge granted Etute a It doesnt make it easier, but it doesnt necessarily prohibit that, Burke said. Dairy Queen will sell Blizzards for 85 cents to celebrate summer menu. Copyright 2022 WDBJ. Etute has a tremendous amount riding on this trial.. The Etute family left the Montgomery County Courthouse through a back exit without speaking to reporters. On May 31, another Virginia Tech player, Jalen Hampton, also connected with "Angie Renee" on Tinder. An autopsy report by the medical examiner showed nearly all the bones in Smith's face were broken, he suffered bleeding of the brain, and had teeth fragments missing. You have permission to edit this article.
(renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). Etute, who is charged with second-degree murder, was arrested on June 2. But under-the-radar moves are often what put teams over the topand these six franchises could all make leaps in 2023 because of them. During a police search of the apartment, a knife was found between Smith's mattress and box spring, but Etute testified he never saw the knife, and he did not mention any concerns for his own safety during his initial police interview on June 2, 2021. Smith did not own a gun, but police reported finding a knife between the man's mattress and box spring. Etutes mother told the court her son is not a flight risk and had never been in any trouble. While that scenario might prove unlikely, Turk is hopeful there are colleges out there that will give Etute a chance. ESPN 300 WR Graham commits to Day, Ohio St. Only Canadian NCAA program to drop football, Alabama lands 2025 offensive line recruit Short, QB Davis, No. Im truly sorry for my actions.. Etute testified that Smith was still breathing when he left, and the state's forensic detective testified the entire attack likely took only a few seconds. An exam indicated every bone in Smiths face was broken, and he had missing and broken teeth. I was just in shock, in disbelief that someone tricked me and lied to me.. The Double Standard and Felicia Enuha on Corporate Life, Donald Trumps Indictment and Ally Love of Peloton and Dance 100, The Arrest of Jonathan Majors and Yet Another School Shooting, Tekashi 6ix9ine and Privacy in the Age of Social Media, Arresting Donald Trump and the NFLs History of Blackballing, The Six Teams That Are Winning the NFL Offseason So Far. Read the latest statement from Blacksburg Police, Virginia Tech experts available to discuss headlines in the news, Fulbright visiting scholar to speak about building a welcoming community for refugee students, Optima Health Vantage HMO at 866-846-2682. Cobb said he was heartbroken that Fridays verdict left him with a similar empty feeling. The student arrested is The suspended Virginia Tech football player is scheduled to stand trial in May. Turk was aware of the federal investigation early on. Etute collapsed in tears as the verdict was read, with cheers erupting from a contingent of about 30 family members, supporters and former teammates. There was a problem saving your notification. 
Fleenor asked the prosecution to consider if it would take a brief continuance in order to allow Etutes testimony since excluding a witness testimony was an extraordinary thing to do, but the defense withdrew the request for him to testify after a brief recess. BLACKSBURG, Va. (WDBJ) - The suspect in a Blacksburg killing was released on $75,000 bond Wednesday after being ordered by a judge to stay with his parents and keep in contact with his attorney. Then, Semafor political reporter Dave Weigel discusses whether Trumps indictment will reshape the election. The jury began deliberations after closing arguments ended shortly before 3 p.m. He argued that after Etute punched Smith and Smith fell to the floor, there was "no way" Smith could have reached a weapon under his mattress. I felt violated, Etute said, of discovering Smiths identity. Etute and his parents who left the courtroom through a back exit didnt have a statement to make at this time, according to Turk. The gay panic defense came into effect July 1 and quite frankly, I dont believe that it would have been applicable to the facts of this case anyway because thats not what led to the death, Turk said. According to Tharp, the fluid was evidence of Smith inhaling his own blood after the attack. Etute is charged with second-degree murder for the death of Jerry Smith, 40, found dead in his apartment June 1. Who would be more likely to resort to violence? It will take time to decompress and feel relief from this gut-wrenching, frightening experience in life. Hes been acquitted of a crime, Turk said. An exam indicated every bone in Smiths face was broken, and he had missing and broken teeth. Blacksburg murder suspect released on bond; lawyer says victim lured suspect with fake Tinder profile, Cow killed, car destroyed in early-morning crash and fire, ACPD seeking information after vehicle stolen with two children inside, Day care worker charged with rape of 3-year-old girl, authorities say, Shenandoah National Park seeing uptick in littering and vandalism, Brush fire affecting nearly 30 acres, according to Rockingham County Fire & Rescue, Local housing market remains strong despite increasing cost of homeowners insurance, Charlie Obaugh RV & Outdoor Student Athlete of the Week. If you need assistance or support, you are encouraged to reach out for help. Cops found the badly beaten mans body one day later, the newspaper reported. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. This time of year, much of the focus is on big signings and trades. He referred to Smith as a deceitful and dishonest man who defrauded young men for his own sexual gratification., Who is the real victim here? Turk said through tears. Theres a long history in the masculine world we live in to say I dont want to be perceived as gay, or feminine or weak or less than, Cobb said. The case stems from a death that happened May 31. The Virginia Tech and Town of Blacksburg communities are united in our shared concern for the welfare of all. He graduated high school early to start at Virginia Tech in January. Isimemen David Etute and defense attorney Jimmy Turk hug at the conclusion of the trial in Montgomery County Circuit Court in Christiansburg earlier this year. This wasnt a first-time meeting. A Virginia Tech football player has been charged with second-degree murder in connection with the death of a 40-year-old man, according to authorities. The attackers in that case were identified, but never charged. It reminded of him of past incidents of discrimination he had witnessed, most notably a beating that left an interracial gay couple hospitalized shortly after he moved to Roanoke in 2001. Etute has been charged with second-degree murder.
Turk, Etute's lawyer, made arguments that Etute could not be convicted of second-degree murder because there was no malice in his actions and that he should be found not guilty by reason of self-defense, based on his fear that Smith had hidden a weapon. CHRISTIANSBURG, Va. -- Former Virginia Tech football player Isimemen Etute was found not guilty of all charges Friday in the beating death of a Blacksburg resident following an online catfishing scheme. Both experts testified about a frothy fluid coming out of Smiths mouth that ran down his sweatshirt in the crime scene photos. Turk also said Smith was "controlling the entire environment and the entire episode." The prosecution objected on the grounds that a reach the defense alleged that Smith reached under his bed where a knife was later found by police didnt constitute the necessary overt act for self-defense. Former Virginia Tech players Jalen Hampton and Jordan Brunson, who were called as witnesses in Etutes defense, were interviewed by federal authorities in September. There was a problem saving your notification.
When the verdict was read to the courtroom, Etutes father, David, collapsed in his seat while his wife Nichelle sobbed. And he spoke at my wedding, Lindsey Turk said. Family handout Etute, who will stay with his parents in Virginia Beach, is due back in court on Turk later addressed reporters outside of court. Former Virginia Tech football player Isimemen Etute and his family have issued a statement to The Roanoke Times, Etute wasacquitted on second, Former Virginia Tech linebacker Isimemen Etute will get a chance to play football this season following his acquittal on a second-degree murde. Etute did not call police after the attack, according to the Commonwealths Attorney. Etutes attorneys argued the beating was self-defense in a confrontation between the two in which the mans true identity was revealed. Prosecutors stated the investigation was ongoing when they asked a U.S. magistrate judge to keep the documents under seal for 90 days on multiple occasions. The prosecution relied on expert testimony from the likes of state medical examiner Dr. Amy Tharp and forensic Detective Mike Czernicki to make sure the jury understood the level of damage Etute inflicted. Fleenor would have read an instruction to the jury precluding the defense had the law been in place on May 31 when the crime was committed, but the instruction wouldnt have mentioned gender identity or sexual orientation as agreed to by the prosecution. Etute is currently being held in Montgomery County Jail without bond and scheduled to be arraigned in Montgomery District Court at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Federal court documents suggest hate crime investigation against murder suspect Etute, Jury convicts major Southwest Virginia drug supplier, Cow killed, car destroyed in early-morning crash and fire, Search on for shooter of man in northwest Roanoke, Salem Red Sox gear up for home opener against Delmarva Shorebirds; what fans need to know, Bridging the Great Health Divide Across the US, PublicFileAccess@wdbj7.com - (540) 344-7000. WSLS's Shayne Dwyer reports. It isnt about reasonable doubt, I like to say they have to prove their case by 50.1%, Burke said. First published on May 28, 2022 / 10:23 AM. They connected on Tinder, a dating app, weeks earlier after Smith, who identified as an openly gay man, presenting himself online as a 21-year-old emergency room physician named Angie Renee. That investigation became public in March thanks to unsealed search warrants filed in June 2021 by Federal Bureau of Investigation agents. WebBlacksburg Police have announced the arrest of a Virginia Tech student in connection to the death of a Blacksburg resident early Wednesday morning. The judge in Etute's case ruled that the new legislation did not apply to this case, as it was enacted after the incident took place, though Turk argued it likely would not have altered the outcome of the trial. Etute was ordered released on $75,000 secured bond under conditions of house arrest and electronic monitoring, the Roanoke Times reported, citing Commonwealths Attorney Mary Pettitt. Burke, who was familiar with the Etute case through media coverage, said in many cases the federal government will take a wait and see approach when a defendant is facing charges at the state level. Thats just wrong.. A former Virginia Tech football player was acquitted of beating his male Tinder date to death after claiming the hook-up had lied about being a woman then performed oral sex on him. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. BLACKSBURG, Va. (WFXR) The dates have been set for a 2022 jury trial involving Isimemen Etute, the suspended Virginia Tech football player indicted for murder after the death of a Blacksburg man in May. Court records show that Etutes jury trial is set to begin on May 25, 2022. The Commonwealths Attorney says Etute punched Smith five times in the head, making Smith fall, at which point Etute stepped on Smiths head until blood was bubbling from him.
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isimemen etute parents