The investigation revealed that Smith and Isimemen Etute who was charged with second degree murder in connection with Smith's death were acquaintances. The attorneys then reached a compromise under which Etute was released on a secured $75,000 bond and will be under house arrest and electronic monitoring, according to the Times. Sick Of Divisive Attacks On Schools? Optima Health Vantage HMO at 866-846-2682, Hokie Wellnessat 540-231-2233 (students) or 540-231-8878 (employees), Office of Housing and Residence Lifeat 540-231-6205, Womens Center at Virginia Techat 540-231-7806. . Etute took the stand on the third day of his trial and gave a play-by-play of what he now says happened the night that Smith died, according to The Roanoke Times. CHRISTIANSBURG Defense attorneys said Wednesday that a former Virginia Tech football player feared for his life when he fatally beat a person he met online in April 2021. La mairie de Saint-Martin-le-Vinoux est situe au sud-est de la France dans le dpartement Isre l'adresse postale : Mairie - Saint-Martin-le-Vinoux 40 avenue Gnral-Leclerc 38950 Saint-Martin-le-Vinoux. Isi Etute, ex-Virginia Tech player, found not guilty of second-degree An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. But thats exactly the argument that the bill Northam signed in March outlawed. Now, judges have to be clear the Commonwealth does not recognize that defense. If juries accepted it, the judge would instruct them to take it into consideration when deciding the defendants sentence. A suspended Virginia Tech Hokie linebacker took the stand in his own defense during his trial for killing a person who he alleges pretended to be a woman during an intimate encounter. Jerry Paul Smith of Blacksburg, Virginia - Kendall Funeral Home No one has identified Smith as transgender; his family has said he was a gay man. One of the focal points of the case was the defenses pretrial motion to use a Gay/Trans Panic Defense, which they filed earlier this month. The student arrested is Isimemen Etute of Virginia Beach, Virginia, a freshman majoring in human development. Jerry Paul Smith was killed May 31 at his home in Blacksburg, Va. A medical examiner ruled he died of blunt force trauma to the head; an autopsy further revealed that every bone in his face. His mother had testified that someone is always at their home and that the family includes three siblings, among them a younger sister with Down syndrome. Cloudy with occasional rain showers. Be Truthful. Your 24/7 streaming source for equality news and lifestyle trends. Check out never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more! All rights reserved. When confronted by police, Etute was compliant and even said he knew what they wanted to talk about. Political History, Black Youth Leader Says He Was Mistakenly Detained While Naked, New Jersey Librarian Files Federal Complaint After Being Fired for 'Gay Lifestyle'. The whole month leading up to that fateful day was filled with soccer games and related festivities but after the final, it was over. The 19-year-old is accused of fatally beating Jerry Paul Smith, 40, after the two met on Tinder in May 2021. . Etute, a Virginia Tech student and athlete, has been placed on interim suspension, effective immediately. A detective and the state medical examiner "testified that most of the bones in Smith's face were broken, he had bleeding and swelling inside his brain and he had multiple teeth knocked out," according to the Times. Etute explained that he groped his partner, including trying to reach around for the genitals, and something felt off to him. Thanks to our sponsors Become a Sponsor. Isimemen David Etute demonstrates the altercation he was involved in to as Chief Deputy Commonwealth's Attorney Patrick Jensen, left, looks on in Montgomery County Circuit Court in Christiansburg Va., Thursday May 26 2022. John Wayne Smith testified he did not know his brother had been posing as a woman or soliciting young men but that he knew him to be an out gay man and didnt approve of him being gay.. Low 41F. 134 and a 2024 fifth-round pick to Minneso. Former Virginia Tech football player Isimemen David Etute describes an altercation during his murder trial in Montgomery County Circuit Court in Christiansburg, Va., Thursday, May 26 2022. Any updates from the university will be posted to the universitys news and information website,vtx.vt.edu. Looking for something special to get your mom for Mothers Day? The charge for second-degree murder will now go to a Montgomery County grand jury to decide if Etute will be indicted. Suspect in alleged sex-related killing enters not-guilty plea, (MATT GENTRY, The Roanoke Times | (AP Photo / The Roanoke Times, Matt Gentry, Pool)), Pedestrian on life support after being hit in SE Roanoke traffic, Aerosmith announces farewell tour starting in September, Person being treated after Bedford County barricade, Troopers make interesting find while cleaning highway, Proposed campaign wants to propel gun violence resources into the spotlight in Roanoke, Bridging the Great Health Divide Across the US, PublicFileAccess@wdbj7.com - (540) 344-7000. Blacksburg Police have announced the arrest of a Virginia Tech student in connection to the death of a Blacksburg resident early Wednesday morning. A jury Friday found former Virginia Tech football player Isimemen Etute, 19, not guilty of second-degree murder in the beating death of Jerry Paul Smith, The Roanoke Times reports. The city remained a mostly rural area, until the 19th century, when it saw its first industrial . Saying identification could pose a risk of retaliatory physical and mental harm to the witness.. Turk had argued for his client to be released on bond, and a judge initially granted it, but Morgan appealed. Twitter Isimemen Etute, 19, stands accused of the 2021 murder of Jerry Paul Smith, 40, who Etute met under the name Angie." 19, 2022 at 11:11 AM PDT BLACKSBURG, Va. (WDBJ) - The suspect in a 2021 killing in Blacksburg has pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder. An arraignment was held Thursday. New THC Laws to Take Effect in Virginia July 1, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion He previously spent time with Angie and engaged in oral sex with them on April 10. The commonwealth and defense attorneys are now working to agree on the number of witnesses the defense can bring to the trial. UPDATE 3:40 p.m.: Police in Blacksburg have identified the victim in Tuesday nights homicide. On the night of April 10, Etute went to Smiths apartment which was very dimly lit and engaged in an act of sexual nature. ruled Isi Etute is not guilty in the killing in 2021 of Jerry Smith in Blacksburg. This reminds me very much of the rape shield act, where a woman was asked what her sexual history was as part of the defense argument. To their family and co-workers, Angie was known as 40-year-old restaurant manager Jerry Paul Smith. Using photos, text, and video dynamically, the site informs and prompts concerned African citizens and activists globally to act, denouncing officially-sanctioned corruption, the material impoverishment of its citizenry, defilement of the environment, and the callous disregard of the democratic principles enshrined in the constitution. Luxury duplex homes for sale in Saint-grve, Auvergne-Rhne-Alpes According to a studyby Prof. W. Carsten Andresen at St. Edwards University, judges and juries reduce charges in 32.7% of cases where they hear the panic defense. (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.). The legal strategy is thought to secure more lenient sentences for defendants who claim their violent acts were a response to learning a victim's sexual orientation or gender identity. Virginia Techs United Feminist Movement gathered with other students on campus on Wednesday, April 26, for the organizations annual Take Back the Night rally. Jerry Smith in Blacksburg, VA - Bizapedia Profile This spring, Le Creuset has introduced an exciting new shade thats already selling fast: shallot, a soft lavender with pink and slight gray undertones. Luxury duplex apartments for sale in Saint-grve, Auvergne-Rhne-Alpes Those in the Virginia Tech community who need assistance or counseling support may contact: Cook Counseling Centerat 540-231-6557. The law of evidence at the time of the trial is what applies, not at the time of the offense, said Del. 804.320.1301. The Blacksburg Police Department says 40-year-old Jerry Smith of Blacksburg, died in the incident. Detective Ryan Hite, the third witness, reiterated the facts stated by the previous two witnesses and delved into the timeline of events in more detail. According to Hite, Etute and Smith met up for the first time on April 10, 2021. Victim's brother, medical examiner take stand in first day of Etute Jury: Suspect not guilty in alleged sex-related Blacksburg killing - WDBJ Search salaries of employees from Virginia Tech and other universities dating back to 2007. ", Be sure to follow And what was the intent of the panic defense ban, to stop this from being used. This was a wicked sexual ruse.". But defense attorney Jimmy Turk blamed Smith, calling him a "deceitful and dishonest man" who "defrauded young men for his own sexual gratification." 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Contact. When attorneys use the panic defense, they claim a violent panic came over their clients after learning someones gender identity or sexual orientation. Former College Football Player Accused of Killing Man He Met on Tinder The Kansas City Chiefs began Day Three of the 2023 NFL Draft with pick No. MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Va. (WFXR) On the third day of the murder trial for Isimemen Etute the former Virginia Tech football player charged in connection with the death of Jerry Paul Smith last year the defense rested their case, which means two hours of closing arguments are set to begin Friday afternoon. Isimemen Etute claims he "never intended to harm anyone" when he went to the apartment of a woman named Angie with whom he'd had a sexual encounter and discovered he had been intimate with Jerry Paul Smith. Jerry Paul Smith, 40 known as Gigi by his nephews of Blacksburg, VA departed this life, June 1, 2021, at his home. Etute said he worried that Smith was attempting to grab a gun though he'd never seen a weapon which he said prompted him to punch Smith in an alleged act of self-defense. The law should be disregarded, Etutes lawyers argued, because it didnt go into effect until July 1, about a month after the incident. Etute said that he accompanied Angie to the darkened bedroom and, after a period of time, asked to have sexual intercourse. Tharp said there was no evidence that Smith fought back. He returned to Smith's apartment May 31, realized Smith was a man, and flew into a rage. Click this link right now: https://advocatechannel.com, From left: Isimemen Etute and Jerry Paul Smith, Gay/Trans 'Panic' Defense Leads to Accused Killer's Acquittal, Florida Dems File Bill Ending Gay and Trans Panic Defense , 26 Things Gay Sex Workers Want You to Know, 36 Pics of Inhibitions and Shirts Coming Off at Hebro's Jewbilee Party, 11 Homoerotic Ads, Covers From 20th Century Gay Artist J.C. 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After Smith fell, Etute told police he stomped on their face and body. The video footage was shared exclusively with us from the property owner of the victims apartment; the owner would like to remain anonymous. Courtesy of Matt Gentry from the Roanoke Times, Suspended Virginia Tech football player appears in court on second-degree murder charge. Etute testified that he had seen Smith reach for a weapon, which Etute thought was a gun -- something Etute did not mention to police when he was arrested last year. Later, the Nigerian-American, a linebacker at the basketball club Virginia tech, discovered the truth when they met again on May 31, 2021, at Smith's apartment. If you're interested in submitting a Letter to the Editor, click here. Etute pleaded not guilty to the murder charge during his arraignment last week. I was upset with myself, even, because I never intended to harm anyone.. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph. ", Jensen also advised jurors, "If you find this was in the heat of passion, you shouldn't find him guilty of second-degree murder, the crime would be voluntary manslaughter, but what I'm telling you is this was not self-defense.". With the ban, defendants will still be able to tell their side of the story. That has been an issue here in Virginia previously. The company has 1 contact on record. Three Ways Youngkin Has Undermined Democracy In Virginia (Just This Year), Get exclusive Virginia stories & news right in your inbox. La commune de Saint-Martin-le-Vinoux est une commune rhnalpine de taille moyenne habite par 5778 rsidents Saint-Martiniers. Jerry Paul Smith, 40 known as Gigi by his nephews of Blacksburg, VA departed this life, June 1, 2021, at his home. Smith was using the photo and identity of a 28-year-old woman named Angie Renee. Turk also refused to comment. Etute is currently being held at the Montgomery County Jail without bond. A graduate of VCU, Megan previously worked as a reporter for the Rappahannock Record. Suspect in alleged sex-related killing enters not-guilty plea - WDBJ As Smith fell to the ground, Etute punched him five more times before stomping on him till he died. Dr. Amy Marie Tharp, of the Roanoke Medical Examiners office, testified Smith died of blunt force trauma, that nearly all of their facial bones were broken and that they had bleeding and swelling of the brain. View the profiles of people named Jerry Paul Smith. 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 . PBS is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. Copyright 2021 WDBJ. According to the Montgomery County Circuit Court clerk's office, a jury trial has been set for May 2022. Etute then decided to meet with Angie once more to determine this, Hite alleged, and the two met up on the night of May 31, 2021, in Smiths apartment. Panic Defense Comes Up in Blacksburg Case. Isn't It Banned In Virginia University and community resources are listed below. They said Smiths tactics amounted to sexual battery under Virginia law. The legal strategy asks a jury to find a defendant less culpable because they were provoked after discovering a victims sexual orientation or biological sex. The second witness was Detective Mike Czernicki, who conducted part of the investigation at the scene of the crime and attended the victims autopsy. John Wayne Smith also took the stand Wednesday, describing how he found Jerry Paul Smiths body after stopping to check on his brother at his apartment. When he returned to the the darkened Blacksburg apartment on May 31 for what Angie believed would be another sexual encounter, Etute allegedly told detectives, he used his phone flashlight to illuminate her face and discovered she was a man. The filing status is listed as Active. The prosecution contends statutes apply at the time of trial not the date of the alleged criminal offense. A Virginia man has been acquitted of murder after using what amounted to a gay/trans "panic" defense, outlawed in the state just a month after the victim's death. By passing this bill, this is going to ensure that if that defense is in fact raised in court, that a judge would give instruction to the jury to say that it is not to influence their decision at all in terms of a guilty plea or sentence, Roem said. Jerry was a restaurant manager and known as a polite young man throughout his life. Gay/Trans 'Panic' Defense Leads to Accused Killer's Acquittal A Montgomery County judge certified on Sept. 23 a charge of second-degree murder of Blacksburg resident Jerry Paul Smith against Isimemen David Etute, suspended Virginia Tech football. "Etute heard 'bubbling and gurgling' as he left the apartment but didn't call the police. Threats of harming another As the courtroom stood, the families of both the defendant and victim entered and were seated on opposite sides of the aisle. Crime News is your destination for true crime stories from around the world, breaking crime news, and information about Oxygen's original true crime shows and documentaries. The prosecution showed jurors several pictures of Smith's lifeless, bloodied body. The trial will not start for months later. Jimmy Turk, Etutes defense attorney, stated that Etute was not aware of Smiths death until the next day when he was called in by the police to talk. An exam indicated every bone in Smiths face was broken, and he had missing and broken teeth. Born May 18, 1981 in Montgomery County, VA, he was the son of the late Jerry. The suspect, Isi Etute, appeared in court virtually Thursday from the Montgomery County Jail. CHRISTIANSBURG, Va. A jury found former Virginia Tech football player Isimemen "Isi" Etute not guilty of second-degree murder Friday in the death of Blacksburg resident Jerry Paul Smith. Detectives were called to begin the investigation surrounding the mans death, which was ruled a homicide. Be sure to follow A Montgomery County judge certified on Sept. 23 a charge of second-degree murder of Blacksburg resident Jerry Paul Smith against Isimemen David Etute, suspended Virginia Tech football player. MATT GENTRY, The Roanoke. Referral to a campus cleric may be made through this office. "The facts for the most part in this case are not contested," prosecutor Patrick Jensen said in his closing statement, the paper reports. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. The company's principal address is 110 Draper Rd Nw, Blacksburg, VA 24060-7402. He then allegedly admitted to detectives that he punched Smith five times, possibly kicked his victim in the face and ran out to sounds of "bubbling and gurgling," according to the Richmond Times-Dispatch. $540,805. Judge Mike Fleenor has yet to rule on the defenses motion but said he would do so before jury deliberations. In addition, Etute, a member of the football team, has been suspended from the team, effective immediately. Jerry Paul Smith of Blacksburg, Virginia - Kendall Funeral Home Victim identified in Blacksburg homicide; Hokies linebacker - WFXRtv Nobody deserves to die, but I dont mind saying, dont pretend you are something that you are not. Link between Virginia Tech football player suspect and restaurant Their body was discovered the next day. Etute wiped the blood off the bottom of his shoes before meeting his two friends who were waiting outside Smiths apartment for Etute. But Etute became so agitated that he began punching Smith, according to information presented by Morgan and by defense attorney Jimmy Turk. He said Etute and Smith had matched on the dating site Tinder, but Smiths Tinder profile indicated he was a woman named Angie. Exclusive footage shows comings and goings at murder victim's home - WDBJ New 7 days ago. The suspension also includes his standing with the Virginia Tech football team. Officers say that they do not believe there is an ongoing threat to the public. Jerry Paul Smith, 40 known as Gigi by his nephews of Blacksburg, VA departed this life, June 1, 2021, at his home. New Group Aims To Refocus School Boards On Students, Real Education Policy, House GOP Passes Bill That Would Take Food and Healthcare From Virginia Families, Three Ways Youngkin Has Undermined Democracy In Virginia (Just This Year). Saint-Martin-d'Hres - Wikipedia Thats illegal to do [now]. Keep it Clean. The judge called upon three detectives as witnesses to share details of the encounter between Etute and Smith. Etutes defense team filed two motions on Thursday. Details. About a dozen states have adopted such laws. Virginia Tech football player accused of murder appears in court Smith was discovered dead the following day after his family requested a welfare check. That's just wrong.". According to Detective Heather Rose-Semple, the first witness,Etute and Smith had first established contact over the dating app Tinder in April 2021. Czernicki said that he was able to confirm Smiths identity upon first seeing him because of having at least four previous encounters with him through Czernickis work. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. A suspended Virginia Tech Hokie linebacker took the stand in his own defense during his trial for killing a person who he alleges pretended to be a woman during an intimate encounter. Jerry Paul Smith was killed May 31 at his home in Blacksburg, Va. A medical examiner ruled he died of blunt force trauma to the head; an autopsy further revealed that every bone in his face was broken and that he had skull fractures, the Roanoke Times reports. He then pulled back his partner's sweatshirt hood, turned on his phones flashlight and discovered his partner had a mans facial hair. TikTokWant more news, top stories, and videos? I felt violated, Etute testified, according to the Times. On this night, however, Etute learned that Angie also went by another name.
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