University and community resources are listed below. Etutes mother told the court her son is not a flight risk and had never been in any trouble. Can Scottie Scheffler earn his second consecutive green jacket? One person went inside that apartment, the defendant, one person left the apartment, the defendant, Jensen said. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. An exam indicated every bone in Smiths face was broken, and he had missing and broken teeth. The jury got to hear Etutes description of the events twice during the trial with the prosecution also entering into evidence a 45-minute video of Blacksburg police detectives questioning him June 2. One of the next steps they mentioned will be figuring out the best avenue for him to pursue a collegiate degree and resume his football career. 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. Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. 2022 The Associated Press. WSLS's Shayne Dwyer reports. 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. 2023 Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. I do not know a finer 19 year old that Ive ever come into contact with.. June 3, 2021 Etute did not call police after the attack, according to the Commonwealths Attorney. Tornado kills at least 5 people, causes "widespread" damage in Missouri, Doctor charged after video allegedly shows her poisoning husband's tea, Pence won't appeal subpoena for his testimony, Drug dealer pleads guilty in overdose death of actor Michael K. Williams, Indiana, Idaho governors sign bans on gender-affirming care, More than 600 kids abused in Baltimore Archdiocese, report says, Idaho criminalizes helping minors travel for abortions without parental consent, U.S. lawmakers to meet with Apple, Disney CEOs to discuss China, Anti-vaxxer Robert F. Kennedy Jr. challenging Biden in 2024. Turk spent much of his closing statement arguing Etute, who testified on his own behalf, acted in self-defense after Smith swung at him and reached under his mattress. Jensen recalled the testimony of medical examiner Dr. Amy Tharp, who Jensen said testified Smith had been the victim of a "brutal beating.". The Smith family quickly left the courthouse on Friday, and Montgomery County Chief Deputy Commonwealths Attorney Patrick Jensen declined comment. Etute has been charged with second-degree murder. Etute did testify one of his reasons for returning to Smiths apartment was that his close friends had been making jokes that the Angie Renee he had a sexual encounter with on April 10, could have been a dude.. Copyright 2021 WDBJ. 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. ", Former Hokie Etute found not guilty of murder, USC football, MLB or both? 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. Etute was acquitted Friday evening of second-degree murder in the killing of Jerry Paul Smith, 40, a Blacksburg restaurant worker. Turk laid out his case in June 2021 for granting bond for the suspect, having Etute and his mother take the stand. Isimemen David Etute his hugged by his father David Etute at conclusion of the triall in Montgomery County Circuit Court in Christiansburg on Friday. 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. Isimemen Etute, a Virginia Beach native, often stayed at Turks house when he was in town for court appearances. He said Etute and Smith had matched on the dating site Tinder, but Smiths Tinder profile indicated he was a woman named Angie. Etute lifted his defense attorney Jimmy Turk off the ground in a bear hug with both of them crying. The Commonwealths Attorney had appealed a judges bond approval, but agreed on bond after the conditions were agreed upon. This is trial by ambush, Jensen argued. Etute, 18, will now be under house arrest and electronic monitoring at his parents house in Virginia Beach, according to prosecutors. Isimemen Etute in court for a preliminary hearing in September 2021. Etute is charged with second-degree murder for the death of Jerry Smith, 40, found dead in his apartment June 1. Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel LindsayGuest: James TurkProducers: Trudy Joseph and Donnie Beacham Jr. He is to be under house arrest in their custody in Williamsburg. The suspended Virginia Tech football player is scheduled to stand trial in May. CHRISTIANSBURG Former Virginia Tech football player Isimemen David Etute and his parents, Nichelle and David, issued a statement to The Roanoke Times The attackers in that case were identified, but never charged. Etute, 19, is charged with second-degree murder for the death of Jerry Paul Smith, 40, found dead in his apartment June 1. Blacksburg police are asking anyone with additional information about the murder case to contact Lieutenant Josh Teubert at 540-443-1424. Etutes attorneys argued the beating was self-defense in a confrontation between the two in which the mans true identity was revealed. The linebackers team profile was not active Thursday. The Virginia Beach native, who was out on bond while awaiting trial, was facing a second-degree murder charge that carried a prison sentence of from five to 40 years upon conviction. Turk, who has been practicing law for 36 years and tried more than 70 murder cases, nervously paced the hallways while the jury deliberated for more than three hours. He, too, went to the apartment expecting a sexual encounter with a woman, but decided to leave after feeling uncomfortable. Jensen did cede a bit of ground in his rebuttal remarks after Turks emotional final words. Turk was able to get the lead detective on the case, Ryan Hite, to tell the jury on Thursday during cross-examination that he would have referred Smiths actions in this case obtaining sex through false pretenses to the commonwealths attorney had he known about them. And he spoke at my wedding, Lindsey Turk said. Thats a real problem for men in our society. Turk laid out his case Wednesday for granting bond for the suspect, having In previous court hearings, Etutes attorney, Jimmy Turk, provided some details about the apparent link between the suspect and the victim. Why wouldnt it work in civil court? Burke said. This wasnt a first-time meeting. Webhow much did the simple life family get paid Fathom News The student arrested is Isimemen Etute of Virginia Beach, Virginia, a freshman majoring in human development. 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. The commonwealths attorney wont get another shot at Etute, but Turk doesnt know the state of the federal governments investigation into the incident as a possible hate crime. The Etute family left the Montgomery County Courthouse through a back exit without speaking to reporters. All rights reserved. Turks family was in attendance for much of the trial, having developed deep ties to the Etute family and Turk's daughter Katie was part of the defense team. According to Tharp, the fluid was evidence of Smith inhaling his own blood after the attack. He has been suspended from the team, according to a statement from the university, which has the power to suspend any student arrested for felony offenses. Czernicki testified that Smith coughed up the blood all over the closet door after falling to the ground. If you need assistance or support, you are encouraged to reach out for help. 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 Theyre related to the May 31, 2021 death of a 40-year-old Blacksburg man, Jerry Smith. Etutes mother told the court her son is not a flight risk and had never been in any trouble. Van and Rachel are joined by James Turk, the defense attorney representing Isimemen Etute, who was found not guilty in the beating death of a man he initially believed to be a woman (8:23). Etute was suspended indefinitely from Virginia Tech when he was charged last year and is no longer enrolled at the school. "They can be extremely useful, but they can be extremely dangerous. His attorney, Jimmy Turk, told a judge the case was more than someone just showing up to an apartment and punching someone.. The student arrested is Isimemen Etute of Virginia Beach, Virginia, a freshman majoring in human development. The Virginia Tech football player facing a second-degree murder charge, Isimemen Etute, will be allowed out on bond under a new agreement. 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. WebIsimemen Etute, a Virginia Beach native, often stayed at Turks house when he was in town for court appearances. Nobody deserves to die, but I dont mind saying, dont pretend you are something that you are not, Turk told reporters outside the courtroom. Isi is extremely grateful for the jurys hard work, deliberation, and verdict., Isi is now focused on picking up where he left off in his pursuit of a college degree and love for the game of football. Isi says this process gives him trust and faith again in life. BLACKSBURG, Va. (WDBJ) - Newly unsealed federal search warrants show former Virginia Tech football player Isimemen Etute was the subject of a federal hate crime investigation. He must stay in Virginia and have no contact with the victims family. 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 Etute graduated high school early to start at Virginia Tech in January. Together, we denounce all acts of violence and stand together in support of one another. 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. 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. CHRISTIANSBURG Former Virginia Tech football player Isimemen Etute was found not guilty Friday in the beating death of Jerry Paul Smith foll, Reaction continued to spread to the murder charge against former Hokie linebacker Isi Etute and to his attorney's saying that the victim was. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. This was a wicked sexual ruse.. The charges are a footnote to mistaken-gender killing, of which Isimemen David Etute was acquitted. 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