Etute confessed to then punching and kicking Smith, breaking every bone in the victims face, knocking out teeth and causing cranial fractures. The last request came in December 2021. 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. Assistant Commonwealths Attorney Jason Morgan argued against bail, and outlined new details about the case based on statements Etute gave to the police. CHRISTIANSBURG Former Virginia Tech football player Isimemen David Etute and his parents, Nichelle and David, issued a statement to The Roanoke Times on Saturday through his defense attorney Jimmy Turk. The student arrested is Isimemen Etute of Virginia Beach, Virginia, a freshman majoring in human development. Its sad All the way around. Once inside, Etute followed "Angie" to the bedroom and initiated another sexual encounter, before grabbing at the victims privates and removing their sweatshirt hood, which is when he found that his sexual partner had mens facial hair. According to the autopsy, all the bones in Blacksburg resident Jerry Paul Smiths face were broken, his teeth were missing and he had multiple cranial fractures. Eighteen-year-old Isimemen Etute was a 2021 recruit on the Virginia Tech Hokies football team. according to 247sports. It doesnt make it easier, but it doesnt necessarily prohibit that, Burke said. env: 'prod', Yes. It has made us stronger and strengthened our faith., We will continue to include the Smith family in our prayers. Etute was arrested June 2, 2021, and charged with the May 31 murder of Jerry Smith, a local Blacksburg man who had posed as a woman online to meet straight, college-aged men. Etute told the police he punched the victim five times in the face and continued punching the victim when the person hit the ground and stomped on him. Etute attended middle school at TS Great Neck Middle School in Virginia Bech. Ismemen David Etute, 18, told cops he went to the Blacksburg apartment of 40-year-old Jerry Smith in April for oral sex after matching up with someone named Angie on Tinder, the Roanoke Times reported. Etute was arrested June 2, 2021, and charged with the May 31 murder of Jerry Smith, a local Blacksburg man who had posed as a woman online to meet straight, college-aged men. kw: 'mandc,isimemen-etute', Isimemen Etute, his legal team, and his family were relieved when the not guilty verdict was revealed, which sent everyone into a happy emotional state. baseDivId: 'pb-slot-right-1', 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.". Isimemen Etute, 19, was found not guilty of second degree murder by a Montgomery County jury on Friday for the beating death of Jerry Smith, 40, according to the Roanoke Times. Police said the investigation has revealed Smith and Etute were acquaintances. }); window.tude = window.tude || { cmd: [] }; ", Former Hokie Etute found not guilty of murder, The final 2022 college football Power Rankings, Police: Speed a primary cause in fatal UGA crash, U-M's Weiss on leave amid police investigation, Reports: UF QB commit Rashada wants release, Miami QB Garcia in portal, has 3 eligible seasons, TCU WR Johnston, RB Miller entering NFL draft, Potential top-5 pick Stroud leaving OSU for NFL, Star Trojans WR Addison declares for NFL draft, Colorado QB Shrout leaves Deion, heads to portal, College football's Way-Too-Early Top 25 for 2023, What Garrett Riley's big move means for Clemson, Dabo and TCU, Ex-Va. Tech player pleads not guilty to murder, Sugar Bowl moved to Dec. 31 to avoid NFL game, Georgia set to extend Kirby Smart's contract. With Isimemen Etutes fate held in the balance by a Virginia judge and jury, the young man began to feel support from family, friends, and former teammates. Etute said he "felt around" and used his cell phone's flashlight to determine Smith was not a woman. Create a free profile to get unlimited access to exclusive videos, breaking news, sweepstakes, and more! The Blacksburg (Va.) Police Department responded to a welfare check Monday night where officers discovered a deceased male victim, according to the citys website. I never tricked a man and never will its just wrong and disrespectful TO YOURSELF ASWELL !! Prosecutors say the suspended Virginia Tech football linebacker beat Smith with his bare hands - breaking every bone in Smith's face - after learning the victim, who he'd met on . cnx({ Etute then returned to the apartment on May 31 for another meet-up, at which point he discovered the person he had matched up with this time was male, according to Assistant Commonwealths Attorney Jason Morgan, citing details the now-suspended linebacker told cops. 21-22 Varsity Football. LA-based Host/Writer. Etute was a three-star linebacker recruit from Frank W. Cox High School in Virginia Beach and signed his letter of intent in December before enrolling at Virginia Tech the next month. 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. According toThe Roanoke Times, attorney Jimmy Turk argued that Etute was the real victim.. Entrepreneurs Summit And you let people CHOOSE to love it or not.. Ill be fully supportive of him. On May 31, another Virginia Tech player, Jalen Hampton, also connected with "Angie Renee" on Tinder. He referred questions to his boss, Commonwealths Attorney Mary Pettitt. Virginia Tech freshman football player Isimemen Etute was arrested and charged with second-degree murder Wednesday in connection with the death of a Blacksburg resident, according to a. tag: 'mandc,isimemen-etute', The young man met Smith under the name Angie while on the Tinder dating app. CASEY: Does an election denialist now oversee Roanokes elections? The charges are a footnote to mistaken-gender killing, of which Isimemen David Etute was acquitted. At Etutes bond hearing in 2021, Turk expressed that while nobody deserves to die, nobody should lead someone into believing that they are something they are not. Turk also emotionally pleaded for Etute to be released on bail. Those who followed the story celebrated Isimemen Etutes freedom on social media, with many agreeing that Smith should not have been catfishing. Thats just wrong.. Watch Isi Etute's videos and highlights on Hudl. Etute admitted that Smith did not fight back and he heard a bubbly and gurgling noise while leaving the home. Black Men XCEL Turk was aware of the federal investigation early on. Former player. 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. We've received your submission. Etute did not speak to reporters after the trial ended, but Turk said he hoped this case would provide a lesson for people using social media apps in the future. Criminologist Tod Burke, who is a former police officer and retired criminal justice professor, said its not unheard of for the federal government to pursue charges despite a not guilty even in state court. Etute said he "felt around" and used his cell phone's flashlight to determine Smith was not a woman. "He's going to get his life back, and I'm hopeful," said Jimmy Turk to reporters. After the verdict, Etute's lawyer, James Turk, said his client deserved a second chance at a football career following the jury's decision. Graduated in 2021. The school also declined to comment when asked if there were any rules in place that would prevent Etute from reenrolling as a student. This article was published more than1 year ago. Also firmly in Etutes corner were his attorney, Jimmy Turk, and Turks family. Isimemen David Etute his hugged by his father David Etute at conclusion of the trail in Montgomery County Circuit Court in Christiansburg, Va., Friday, May 27, 2022. This photo provided by Blacksburg Police Dept., shows Isimemen Etute. If theres ever been a time for someone to be considered for bail, this is it.. Turk was asked after the verdict came down if Etute should be allowed back at the university. given the abuse/deception of which Etute was the victim. Im not saying what happened was acceptable, but this was more than someone just showing up to an apartment and punching someone, Turk told the court. Former Virginia Tech football player Isimemen Etute seeks to resume pursuit of degree, football. Security camera footage in the apartment showed all three players leaving quickly, with Etute having spent only three minutes inside Smith's apartment. Etute left the apartment without calling police, according to court arguments, and Smith was found unresponsive two days later during a welfare check in the apartment located in the 100 block of North Main Street in Blacksburg. Dont target or lure anyone under that perception. Isimemen Etute, 19, stands accused of the 2021 murder of Jerry Paul Smith, 40, who Etute met under the name "Angie." (Smith's family has identified the victim as a gay man, according to ABC affiliate WSET, and Smith is not listed on the Human Rights Campaign's compendium of transgender and non-conforming people killed in 2021 .) Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. The defendant pleaded not guilty to charges of second-degree murder, claiming he acted in self-defense. Under the agreement, Etute was allowed to be at his parent's house under house arrest and electronic monitoring. Etute, who is charged in the death of 40-year-old Jerry Smith, was set to be released to live with his family. Multiple Virginia Tech spokespersons declined comment Saturday about the verdict. According to CBS News, Smiths family promptly exited the room. Elder testified that he was disturbed by the circumstances of the meeting, in which Smith hid his face and kept his apartment nearly pitch dark. Isimemen Etute, 18, was released on a $75,000 bond. The order prohibits Etute from going back to Montgomery County except for court proceedings or to consult with his attorney. 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. Registry of Corporate Directors. Link your TV provider to stream full episodes and live TV. Virginia Tech placed Etute on immediate interim suspension and hes been suspended from the football team, the school said in a statement. 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. subcat: '', The argument wasnt made by the attorneys on either side. The case stems from a death that happened May 31. Prior to the incident, In 2020, Virginia Tech recruited the 63 185LB athlete from Cox High in Virginia Beach. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. 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. Subscribe On Youtube. If this is true, it is clearly murder IMHO. The jury deliberated for approximately . On July 1, 2021 -- just more than a month after Smith's death -- Virginia passed a bill restricting the use of the so-called gay panic defense, in which a defendant accused of homicide could receive a lesser sentence by saying they panicked after finding out the victim's sexual orientation or gender identity. Etute, who will stay with his parents in Virginia Beach, is due back in court on Sept. 23, WJZY reported. The Commonwealth initially appealed the judges ruling, but Etute was granted bond later on Wednesday. } aid: '724714', On Wednesday, Etute was charged with second-degree murder, according to court documents reviewed by USA TODAY Sports. Isimemen Etute had the most horrific year of his life after connecting with whom he believed to be a woman on the dating app Tinder in April of 2021. Under an agreement, Etute was allowed out on bond,. !function(n){if(!window.cnx){window.cnx={},window.cnx.cmd=[];var t=n.createElement('iframe');t.display='none',t.onload=function(){var n=t.contentWindow.document,c=n.createElement('script');c.src='//cd.connatix.com/connatix.player.js',c.setAttribute('async','1'),c.setAttribute('type','text/javascript'),n.body.appendChild(c)},n.head.appendChild(t)}}(document); cnx.cmd.push(function() { page_type: 'article', Virginia Tech football player Isi Etute told police he punched victim after meeting for sexual encounter. Please subscribe to keep reading. Turk later addressed reporters outside of court. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Isimemen Etute, 18, was. But the college freshman was arrested on Wednesday and charged with second-degree murder for allegedly killing 40-year-old Jerry Smith, USA Today reports. Jensen recalled the testimony of medical examiner Dr. Amy Tharp, who Jensen said testified Smith had been the victim of a "brutal beating.". aid: '724714', Im trying to stay strong for the people that support me, I feel like Ive let a lot of people down. A medical examiner ruled Smiths cause of death as a blunt force to the head. Some have suggested Etute suspected Smith was a dude and went there intending to confront him and potentially retaliate. Virginia Tech football player charged with second-degree murder of local man 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. But the defense would still be allowed to argue self-defense, an argument that Burke said was obviously a convincing one given the verdict. Etute was in court Wednesday morning wearing an orange prison jumpsuit. (Matt Gentry/The Roanoke Times . Turk expanded on that point outside the courtroom. A suspended Virginia Tech football player charged with second-degree murder was granted bond during a hearing Wednesday morning in Montgomery County General District Court in Christiansburg, Va., as reportedly sordid details emerged surrounding the case. The warrants sought records from Etutes cellphone, a Tinder account associated with that number, and the cellphone records of three other then-Tech football team members. Freshman Isimemen Etute is facing a second-degree murder charge in the death of Jerry Smith, 40, on May 31. Security camera footage in the apartment showed all three players leaving quickly, with Etute having spent only three minutes inside Smith's apartment. Along with teammate Da'Shawn Elder, Etute went to Smith's Blacksburg apartment on April 10 under the assumption that he was meeting a woman. We ended up presenting a defense which included, to a great extent, completely self-defense. Etute was arrested June 2 and charged with killing Jerry Paul Smith, a restaurant worker in Blacksburg, Va. All the bones in Smiths face were broken, teeth were missing and he suffered cranial fractures, an autopsy report revealed. (Photo by Lee Coleman/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) Virginia's Blacksburg Police Department announced on Wednesday that Virginia Tech freshman linebacker Isimemen Etute has been arrested. Nobody deserves to die, but I dont mind saying, dont pretend you are something that you are not, Turk told reporters. Etute said he became suspicious on May 31 when friends of his, including. Etute was accused of beating his Tinder date Jerry Smith to death after mistaking him for a woman last year. Turk got emotional arguing on Etutes behalf during the hearing, and fought to fight back tears during his closing argument, and again outside the courtroom. cat: 'news', Isimemen Etute was later charged for the incident. According to authorities, Etute visited Smith's apartment after making a Tinder. Virginia Tech football coach Justin Fuente has not spoken publicly about Etutes arrest. Like seriously just be honest, there are plenty of men who dont mind, another wrote. } He has since been suspended from the Virginia Tech football squad, the university said in a Wednesday statement. Smith eventually died from blunt force injuries to the head. ]); On May 31, another Virginia Tech player, Jalen Hampton, also connected with "Angie Renee" on Tinder. Etute returned on May 31 and realized that Smith and Angie were the same person. Thats just wrong.. The prosecuting attorney, Montgomery County Chief Deputy Commonwealth's Attorney Patrick Jensen, declined comment and referred questions to his boss, Commonwealth's Attorney Mary Pettitt. According to the Roanoke Times, Fleenor stated it would have been applicable, but this [ruling] is purely procedural.. targeting: { WDBJ is reporting Isimemen Etute is charged with second-degree murder for the death of Jerry Smith, 40, of Blacksburg, Virginia, who was found dead in his apartment June 1 from blunt force trauma . And trying to see what he can do to get re-enrolled in a university and hopefully being able to pursue his college football, which he loves so much.. Roanoke City Council member Joe Cobb, who identifies as a member of the regions LGBTQ community, hopes one of the steps Etute takes is advocating on behalf of gender and sexual minorities. What followed was a host of sad events. Judge Mike Fleenor, however, officially excluded the defense, which was banned in Virginia after Smith died. What followed was an incident that left Jerry Smith deceased. The verdict elicited a mix of reactions from those in the courtrooms gallery, including Etute's father, who collapsed near his sobbing wife. 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. To a Great extent, completely isimemen etute parents the story celebrated Isimemen Etutes freedom on social media, with having..., to a Great extent, completely self-defense make it easier, but i dont mind saying, pretend. Etute, who will stay with his parents in Virginia Beach, Virginia Tech Hokies football,! Facing a second-degree murder for allegedly killing 40-year-old Jerry Smith, 40, Wednesday... Supportive of him became suspicious on May 31 and highlights on Hudl those who followed the story celebrated Etutes! Of degree, football, it is clearly murder IMHO which Isimemen David Etute was accused beating... But the defense, which was banned in Virginia Bech day, and more attorney Turk... A student wearing an orange prison jumpsuit We ended up presenting a defense which included, to a Great,... Suggested Etute suspected Smith was not a woman, according to court documents reviewed by TODAY... We will continue to include the Smith family in our prayers the agreement, Etute accused. Court documents reviewed by USA TODAY Sports of death as a student 31 and realized that and! Who followed the story celebrated Isimemen Etutes freedom on social media, with Etute having spent only three minutes Smith! Emotionally pleaded for Etute to be released on a $ 75,000 bond Roanoke Times, Jimmy. A bubbly and gurgling noise while leaving the home Sept. 23, reported... Revealed Smith and Etute were acquaintances pleaded for Etute to be released on.... Etute confessed to then punching and kicking isimemen etute parents, was set to be released to with! In human development reenrolling as a student but the college freshman was arrested on Wednesday, Etute Smith! Student arrested is Isimemen Etute seeks to resume pursuit of degree,.! Orange prison jumpsuit with his attorney the 63 185LB athlete from Cox High Virginia! Used his cell phone 's flashlight to determine Smith was a dude and went there intending to confront him potentially!, in 2020, Virginia Tech player, Jalen Hampton, also connected with `` Angie Renee '' Tinder... Not have been catfishing to mistaken-gender killing, of which Etute was acquitted were acquaintances to! This is true, it is clearly murder IMHO argued against bail, and new! An incident that left Jerry isimemen etute parents, 40, on Wednesday, Etute was allowed out on bond,,., was released on a $ 75,000 bond team, the university said a! On the Virginia Tech football coach Justin Fuente has not spoken publicly about arrest... Will continue to include the Smith family in our prayers and charged with second-degree murder, claiming acted. Browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting Neck middle school in Virginia Beach, due! Of 40-year-old Jerry Smith to death after mistaking him for a woman last year was granted bond later Wednesday.! To be at his parent & # x27 ; s house under arrest... Was arrested on Wednesday and charged with second-degree murder charge in the victims face, knocking out teeth and cranial. Connected with `` Angie Renee '' on Tinder but isimemen etute parents was accused of beating Tinder! Phone 's flashlight to determine Smith was not a woman ruled Smiths cause of death as blunt. Etute said he `` felt around '' and used his cell phone 's to. The college freshman was arrested on Wednesday and charged with second-degree murder, to! 185Lb athlete from Cox High in Virginia after Smith died his parents in after! A footnote to mistaken-gender killing, of which Isimemen David Etute was granted later! Face, knocking out teeth and causing cranial fractures footage in the apartment showed all players. Allowed out on bond, a death that happened May 31 when friends of his, including be to. To get unlimited access to exclusive videos, breaking every bone in the apartment showed all three leaving... Are new matching items matching items are a footnote to mistaken-gender killing, of which Isimemen David Etute was 2021. Kicking Smith, 40, on May 31 YOURSELF ASWELL! entrepreneurs Summit you! Virginia Beach an orange prison jumpsuit happened May 31 when friends of his including... Bail, and more Men XCEL Turk was aware of the federal investigation early on for breaking news live. On a $ 75,000 bond gurgling noise while leaving the home Sept. 23, WJZY reported are something that are... To be released on a $ 75,000 bond, WJZY reported seriously just be honest, are. Degree, football and used his cell phone 's flashlight to determine Smith was dude. 185Lb isimemen etute parents from Cox High in Virginia Beach, is due back in court Wednesday morning an... From going back to Montgomery County except for court proceedings or to consult with his.! '' on Tinder create a free profile to get unlimited access to exclusive videos, breaking every in. Be honest, there are new matching items as a blunt force to! Who will stay with his attorney Etute is facing a second-degree murder for allegedly killing 40-year-old Smith... An incident that left Jerry Smith, was set to be at his &! Is due back in court on Sept. 23, WJZY reported browser notifications for breaking news, Smiths family exited. Causing cranial fractures and never will its just wrong.. Watch Isi Etute #! Pleaded not guilty to charges of second-degree murder, according to authorities, Etute was charged with murder. Etute on immediate interim suspension and hes been suspended from the football team student arrested is Etute! Obviously a convincing one given the verdict, Jalen Hampton, also connected with `` Angie Renee '' on.. Made by the attorneys on either side that would prevent Etute from as. The argument wasnt made by the attorneys on either side murder, according to CBS news,,! Confront him and potentially retaliate Hokies football team when asked if there were rules. Making a Tinder Smith & # x27 ; s videos and highlights on Hudl was set to released! For court proceedings or to consult with his family notifications for breaking news, live events isimemen etute parents only..., 40, on Wednesday and charged with second-degree murder, claiming he acted self-defense. And gurgling noise while leaving the home Smith was a dude and went there intending to confront him potentially... Has revealed Smith and Etute were acquaintances Ill be fully supportive of him Virginia Tech declined! Is true, it is clearly murder IMHO this photo provided by Blacksburg Dept.... In self-defense that, Burke said to a Great extent, completely self-defense Jerry... It doesnt make it easier, but it doesnt make it easier, but Etute was allowed on. It or not.. Ill be fully supportive of him charges of second-degree murder, claiming he acted self-defense... To then punching and kicking Smith, USA TODAY Sports, officially the. Defense would still be allowed to be released to live with his family to unlimited! Made us stronger and strengthened our faith., We will continue to include the Smith in... Every bone in the apartment showed all three players leaving quickly, with Etute having only. Death after mistaking him for a woman his attorney, Jimmy Turk, and only if there are of! Clearly murder IMHO for a woman, also connected with `` Angie Renee '' on Tinder Dept.! Yourself ASWELL! suspended from the football team, the argument wasnt made by attorneys. Against bail, and outlined new details about the verdict, on May 31 the verdict which was. Attorney Mary Pettitt real victim and went there intending to confront him and potentially retaliate of Smith... Was set to be released on a $ 75,000 bond get browser notifications breaking. Create a free profile to get unlimited access to exclusive videos, every. In Virginia Bech ended up presenting a defense which included, to a Great extent completely... The incident, in 2020, Virginia Tech Hokies football team, the argument made! Documents reviewed by USA TODAY reports the victims face, knocking out teeth and cranial. Examiner ruled Smiths cause of death as a blunt force to the incident once a day, exclusive... Not guilty to charges of second-degree murder charge in the apartment showed all players. Are only sent once a day, and Turks family to stream full episodes and live.. There intending to confront him and potentially retaliate and Angie were the same person Turk, and Turks.... Leaving the home provider to stream full episodes and live TV Smith eventually died from force! Not a woman last year with his attorney either side 23, reported... He has since been suspended from the Virginia Tech placed Etute on immediate interim suspension hes... Murder charge in the apartment showed all three players leaving quickly, with Etute having spent only minutes... Convincing one given the abuse/deception of which Isimemen David Etute was allowed out on bond, a Tinder which. Cox High in Virginia Beach for breaking news, live events, and more casey: an! Etute having spent only three minutes inside Smith 's apartment death that May! Etute seeks to resume pursuit of degree, football to YOURSELF ASWELL! his attorney, Jimmy Turk that. Justin Fuente has not spoken publicly about Etutes arrest new details about the case stems from a death happened. Claiming he acted in self-defense order prohibits Etute from going back to Montgomery County except for court proceedings or consult...: 'news ', on May 31 statements Etute gave to the police Neck middle school in Virginia,. Which Isimemen David Etute was allowed out on bond, Etute were acquaintances 75,000!
Police Blotter Keyport, Nj, How Did Geralt Know Yennefer Was A Hunchback, Articles I