Etute returned to Smith's home May 31, 2021, with the intention of determining Smith's gender. According to Detective Heather Rose-Semple, the first witness,Etute and Smith had first established contact over the dating app Tinder in April 2021. Field Yates of ESPN reported that Kansas City sent pick No. No one has identified Smith as transgender; his family has said he was a gay man. Judge Mike Fleenor has yet to rule on the defenses motion but said he would do so before jury deliberations. Etute said that he accompanied Angie to the darkened bedroom and, after a period of time, asked to have sexual intercourse. The Kansas City Chiefs began Day Three of the 2023 NFL Draft with pick No. Detectives were called to begin the investigation surrounding the mans death, which was ruled a homicide. The defense has portrayed the victim as a sexual predator who "catfished" the defendant, traumatizing Etute to the point where he had to allegedly fight for his life. The victim, he testified, partially undressed and assumed a position on all fours on the bed, exposing the buttocks. History. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Experts say it's already too late to use the panic defense, Glenn Youngkin and the 'Election Integrity' Myth in Virginia. that is degrading to another person. Check out the all NEW Advocate Channel! accounts, the history behind an article. Theyll also have to tell them not to let that argument sway their sentencing decision. Referral to a campus cleric may be made through this office. BLACKSBURG, Va. (WDBJ) - Surveillance video shows three people leaving quickly from Jerry Smith 's Blacksburg apartment May 31. 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 . each comment to let us know of abusive posts. His teeth had also been knocked out. You have permission to edit this article. Nobody deserves to die, but I dont mind saying, dont pretend you are something that you are not. He then pulled back his partner's sweatshirt hood, turned on his phones flashlight and discovered his partner had a mans facial hair. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. The Commonwealths Attorney says the two first met April 10 for oral sex, and Etute didnt realize Smith was a man until they met again May 31. UPDATE 3:40 p.m.: Police in Blacksburg have identified the victim in Tuesday nights homicide. According to a. Twitter Turk had argued for his client to be released on bond, and a judge initially granted it, but Morgan appealed. Lawyers have used the plea eight times since 1986 and it can be successful. Ayodele Fayose Caught On Tape Subjecting State Workers To Inhuman And Degrading Treatement, Miyetti Allah Writes Police, Says 30 Herdsmen, 322 Cows Missing In Anambra. By then, the panic defense will be illegal in Virginia. Blacksburg Police continues to lead this ongoing investigation, and the university will assist law enforcement agencies working the case in any way it can. Those in the Virginia Tech community who need assistance or counseling support may contact: Cook Counseling Centerat 540-231-6557. The video footage was shared exclusively with us from the property owner of the victims apartment; the owner would like to remain anonymous. Link between Virginia Tech football player suspect and restaurant Let us know what's going on! Jerry Smith Obituary - Death Notice and Service Information - Legacy.com The medical examiner said he died of blunt force trauma, and the autopsy report revealed that every bone in his face was broken, he had missing teeth and he'd sustained multiple facial fractures, according to the paper. 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. Etute is charged with second-degree murder in connection to the death of 40-year-old Jerry Smith of Blacksburg back . Who was more likely to be the aggressor? TikTokWant more news, top stories, and videos? Sort: new. MATT GENTRY, The Roanoke. According to a report by Daily Mail, Etute matched with Smith on Tinder but Smith's profile indicated he was a woman named 'Angie,' Etute's attorney James Turk said. 134 and a 2024 fifth-round pick to Minneso. He cant introduce expert testimony about the so-called trans panic.. Jurors had to stand from the panel to watch the demonstration. The prosecution showed jurors several pictures of Smith's lifeless, bloodied body. Written By During the June 9 hearing, Etutes attorney James Turk argued it wasnt a simple case of going to an apartment and punching someone. or anything. BestReviews is reader-supported and may earn an affiliate commission. Smith performed oral sex on Etute when they hooked up April 10, 2021, with Etute still believing Smith was a woman. 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. transgender and non-conforming people killed in 2021. Born May 18, 1981 in Montgomery County, VA, he was the son of the late Jerry. 5 Beds 1 Baths 1765 sqft. According to Hite, Etute and Smith met up for the first time on April 10, 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. Create a free profile to get unlimited access to exclusive videos, breaking news, sweepstakes, and more! SaharaReporters.com is an outstanding, groundbreaking news website that encourages citizen journalists to report ongoing corruption and government malfeasance in Africa. person will not be tolerated. Check out the all NEW Advocate Channel! Virginia passed a law last year banning the use of "gay panic" or "trans panic" defenses in homicide or assault cases. The Blacksburg Police Department says 40-year-old Jerry Smith of Blacksburg, died in the incident. Before Roems bill, judges had to tell juries in the Commonwealth that this argument was a recognized defense. Thanks to our sponsors Become a Sponsor. The investigation revealed that Smith and Isimemen Etute who was charged with second degree murder in connection with Smith's death were acquaintances. ", Turk responded by telling the court, "I'm not saying what happened was acceptable, but this was more than someone just showing up to an apartment and punching someone.". New 7 days ago. 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. Your 24/7 streaming source for equality news and lifestyle trends. 804.320.1301. PBS is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); RICHMOND Its a temporary insanity plea. We've blurred their faces until police confirm their. 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. The commune was created around 1100 where the church of St. Martin was located. The whole month leading up to that fateful day was filled with soccer games and related festivities but after the final, it was over. After that hearing, Turk blamed Smith for what happened in an interview with the Roanoke Times. That has been an issue here in Virginia previously. Etute, a Virginia Tech student and athlete, has been placed on interim suspension, effective immediately. Instagram Jensen commented on this by saying the defendant "has a motive for changing what he said. However, they cant use it as a justification. The student arrested is Isimemen Etute of Virginia Beach, Virginia, a freshman majoring in human development. Former Virginia Tech LB Isimemen Etute found not guilty on murder I was just shocked and in disbelief that someone had tricked me and lied to me.. All rights reserved. Would PRIDE Act Help? Etute was emotionally distraught and started crying upon hearing the news of Smiths death. 5 Beds 1 Baths 1765 sqft. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph. June 22, 2021 4:06 am EDT. Etute had pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder for the blunt force trauma death in 2021 of Jerry Smith. Hes just not going to be able to argue that [it] gives him a recognized legal defense, said UVA School of Law Professor Anne Coughlin. But what about after this case? Etute believed that the person he had hooked up with was a woman named Angie. They did, however, orchestrate a trade-up with the Minnesota Vikings. Get an all-access pass to never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more! Nigerian-American Man Beats "Lover" To Death After Realizing She Was A 134. Compounding matters for the defense is that Virginia became the 12th state to implement a ban on the Gay Panic defense in April. 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. 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. As the courtroom stood, the families of both the defendant and victim entered and were seated on opposite sides of the aisle. He previously spent time with Angie and engaged in oral sex with them on April 10. Isimemen David Etute, 18, has been charged with second-degree murder. Danica Roem (D Prince William). Any updates from the university will be posted to the universitys news and information website,vtx.vt.edu. Jerry was a restaurant manager and 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. After a near-anonymous sexual encounter with Angie and her apartment on April 10, 2021 during which Etute allegedly told detectives she kept her place dark, hid her face with a hoodie and paid him $50 after performing oral sex on him, according to ABC affiliate WJLA Etute allegedly said he began to suspect Angie was not a woman. Megan Schiffres, Originally Published Victim's brother, medical examiner take stand in first day of Etute Etute explained that he groped his partner, including trying to reach around for the genitals, and something felt off to him. 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. Jerry Paul Smith of Blacksburg, Virginia - Kendall Funeral Home Saying identification could pose a risk of retaliatory physical and mental harm to the witness.. "Don't target or lure anyone under that perception. Get an email notification whenever someone contributes to the discussion. Such defenses claim that the victim's gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation is a provocation to violence. VIVID AFFAIRS LLC in Blacksburg, VA | Company Info & Reviews - Bizapedia When voting for the bill in February, House members said it puts the victim on trial, rather than the suspect. racist or sexually-oriented language. 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. Etute has been charged with second-degree murder. The Registered Agent on file for this company is Jerry Paul Smith and is located at 119 N Main St Apt 207, Blacksburg, VA 24060-3945. A man he met on Tinder is charged with second-degree murder. Rose-Semple, who works in the crime scene processing unit of the Blacksburg Police Department, said that she was called in to check on Smith at his home by his family. ruled Isi Etute is not guilty in the killing in 2021 of Jerry Smith in Blacksburg. "Etute told the police he punched Smith five times in the face and continued punching the victim when they hit the ground and 'stomped' on them," the Times reports. Check out these great suggestions. He returned to Smith's apartment May 31, realized Smith was a man, and flew into a rage. Use the 'Report' link on The 18-year-old is charged with second-degree murder. Etute told Angie to lay over the side of the bed to feel around and determine if she was a woman. 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. It is unknown if Smith identified as transgender; his family has said he was a gay man. His body was discovered the following day, and Ismemen David Etute, 18, of Virginia Beach was arrested June 2. Isimemen Etute found not guilty of second-degree murder - WFXRtv With Smiths apartment only illuminated by one dim light, Etute used his cell phone flashlight to make his way up the stairs to Smiths bedroom. The cause of death was determined to be blunt force injuries to the head. Then jurors will decide whether or not Etute is guilty of second-degree murder. Turk described Etute as a victim, noting that Smith had a history of using a criminal ruse to lure primarily young Black males into sexual enounters. 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.. The company has 1 contact on record. Cloudy with occasional rain showers. He later beat Smith to death. Jerry Paul Smith, 40 known as Gigi by his nephews of Blacksburg, VA departed this life, June 1, 2021, at his home. The contact is Jerry Paul Smith from Blacksburg VA. $538,017. The suspension also includes his standing with the Virginia Tech football team. UPDATE 6 p.m.: WFXR News has learned that Isimemen Etute has been scheduled for a hearing in Montgomery County District Court on Thursday. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Their body was discovered the next day. Hite testified that as Etute left, he claimed to hear gurgling noises coming from Smith, who was left lying unconscious on his frontside on the floor space between his wall and bed. Blacksburg police found Jerry Paul Smith dead in his North Main Street apartment on June 1. Etute is currently being held at the Montgomery County Jail without bond. When she arrived, she described bloody footwear tracked throughout the halls and down the stairs. Luxury Duplex Apartments for Sale in Saint grve, Auvergne Rhne Alpes, France. TikTokWant more news, top stories, and videos? The investigation revealed that Smith and Isimemen Etute who was charged with second degree murder in connection with Smiths death were acquaintances. 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. Contact. A suspended Virginia Tech football player admitted to police that he beat Blacksburg resident Jerry Paul Smith to death after discovering that Smith, whom the defendant met on the dating app Tinder and with whom he agreed to engage in sexual acts, was a man, prosecutors said, citing police statements.. Ismemen David Etute, who appeared in Montgomery County District Court in Virginia on . The man who hid the knife or this goofy, gullible kid?" And so, simply put, blaming the victim is not going to lead to a reduction in sentence.. "That's not what led to the death. MATT GENTRY, The Roanoke. A knife was found sandwiched between the boxspring and mattress on the side of the bed where Smith was found. In the middle of Hites testimony, a member of Smiths family left the courtroom, appearing agitated, and said, That was full of s---.. 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. The Commonwealths Attorney says Etute punched Smith five times in the head, making Smith fall, at which point Etute stepped on Smiths head. Born May 18, 1981 in Montgomery County, VA, he was the son of the late Jerry Wayne Smith and Sandra Cumbee Smith. Etute appeared in Montgomery County General District Court in Christiansburg Wednesday. 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