She was eventually acquitted in 2018 on charges of voluntary manslaughter. The suspect in the killing faces a prelimary hearing in Montgomery County September 23. First published on May 28, 2022 / 10:23 AM. Isimemen Etute, 18, was. A social media user expressed gratitude to the judge for giving Etute a second chance. Another wrote, Truth is. aid: '724714', According to the report, Etute arrived at the same apartment on May 31st for another potential encounter. All of the bones in his face were broken and his teeth were also missing, the Roanoke Times reported. tag: 'mandc,isimemen-etute', Stevers was charged with second-degree murder in the death of her estranged husband back in 2017. The courtroom was packed as Judge Randal Duncan excluded cameras from the courtroom at the start of the proceeding. Isimemen took to Twitter to simply say, God is good. This was his first tweet in nearly one year. Etute, a Virginia Tech freshman linebacker at the time of the incident in May 2021, had been charged with second-degree murder, which carries a sentence of five to 40 years, and the jury could have convicted him on the lesser charge of voluntary manslaughter. Nobody deserves to die, but I dont mind saying, dont pretend you are something that you are not, Turk told reporters. Etute confessed to then punching and kicking Smith, breaking every bone in the victims face, knocking out teeth and causing cranial fractures. Ive tried more than 100 murder cases in my lifetime, and normally I dont even ask for bail, Turk told the judge with his voice quivering. SistersInc. 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.. Etute was later released on bond while placed on house arrest. Etute testified that he stomped on Smith's face as he departed the apartment, leaving a bloody shoe print on Smith's cheek in the process. 6'3" 185 lbs Sophomore. Etute was 18 years old at the time. Etute, a Virginia Tech freshman linebacker charged with second-degree murder, fatally beat his victim after discovering that . 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," said Jensen. Sept. 23, 2021 Etute appeared in court for a preliminary hearing on Thursday, Sept. 23, 2021. 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. He, too, went to the apartment expecting a sexual encounter with a woman, but decided to leave after feeling uncomfortable. 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. tude.cmd.push(function() { In closing arguments Friday, the prosecution said Etute's recollection of events did not include a reach toward the area where the knife was hidden until after he'd been charged with 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. "I think he's earned the right to go back to school and further his academic and sports career," Turk said. Isimemen Etute was trapped in an online catfishing scheme, where he thought he was having oral sex with a woman named "Angie." He used his phone's flashlight in the no-light apartment and later . If theres ever been a time for someone to be considered for bail, this is it.. Turks response to Morgan outlining the circumstances of the case was to emphasize that the victim solicited Etute for sexual activity. They would reportedly meet on April 10th, when the 18-year-old male received an act of pleasure from his Tinder date at the latters apartment. Etute and Hampton, along with a third teammate, Jordan Brunson, decided to return to Smith's apartment to determine Smith's gender. pos: 'right_rail_3', playerId: '31d84b62-a3ea-4274-9349-1b7ccedbd1d7' 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. Etute, who is charged in the death of 40-year-old Jerry Smith, was set to be released to live with his family. The Times also reports that his parents broke down in tears following the verdict while his father collapsed. Etute then was able to have the ankle bracelet from the house arrest removed. 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. Smith did not own a gun, but police reported finding a knife between the man's mattress and box spring. Isimemen "Isi" David Etute is charged with second-degree murder in the death of Jerry Paul Smith, a restaurant worker. A judge also granted Etute a $75,000 bond, which prosecutors originally appealed, but that was dropped Wednesday afternoon. He was suspended from the squad last week. divId: 'div-gpt-ad-rightrail-3', Atutee has been charged and is currently being held in Montgomery County Jail without bond. But what I'm telling you is this was not self-defense.. Etute practiced with the Hokies during spring camp after enrolling midyear from Cox High School in Virginia Beach. Oxygen Insider is your all-access pass to never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more. Im certainly appreciative that the verdict turned out the way that it did, defense attorney Jimmy Turk told Oxygen.com. 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. A grand jury returned the . More than a dozen football players most of them clad in Virginia Tech gear were there in support of Etute. Upon the prodding of friends who suspected Angie was a man, Etute returned to the apartment on May 31, 2021. It will take time to decompress and feel relief from this gut-wrenching, frightening experience in life. He is required to live with his family and wear an ankle monitor. Both players initially left, but Etute returned to the apartment, and testified that he received oral sex and a $50 gift from Smith. 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 was found not guilty of all charges Friday in the beating death of a Blacksburg resident following an online catfishing scheme. I dont mind telling you that Im so fond of that young man, he who has been and who he is. 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. Isimemen Etute faces traffic charges in Radford from the same day that he is accused of killing Jerry Paul Smith in Blacksburg. BLACK ENTERPRISE is the premier business, investing, and wealth-building resource for African Americans. 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. Isimemen Etute faces traffic charges in Radford from the same day that he is accused of killing Jerry Paul Smith in Blacksburg. It isnt about reasonable doubt, I like to say they have to prove their case by 50.1%, Burke said. Reaction continued to spread to the murder charge against former Hokie linebacker Isi Etute and to his attorney's saying that the victim was wrong to pose online as a woman. The last request came in December 2021. A Virginia Tech spokesperson says Etute is the only football player who has been suspended from the team. And you let people CHOOSE to love it or not.. 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. Ill be fully supportive of him. Dont target or lure anyone under that perception. Theres also the possibility the Smith family could file a civil suit, which Burke said would require their attorneys to prove based on a preponderance of evidence that Etute was liable. 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. Its sad All the way around. Link your TV provider to stream full episodes and live TV. But the defense would still be allowed to argue self-defense, an argument that Burke said was obviously a convincing one given the verdict. cnx.cmd.push(function() { Etute was acquitted Friday evening of second-degree murder in the killing of Jerry Paul Smith, 40, a Blacksburg restaurant worker. Etute claimed that, after he asked why, Smith reached for his crotch with one hand and down the side of the bed with the other. A Virginia Tech football recruit is in jail facing murder charges for beating his Tinder date to death after learning he was a man and not the woman he met online. Etute, with her voice barely above a whisper, said there is someone at home pretty much around the clock at the household with his sister requiring extra care. } "He could never reach a gun from there," Jensen said. Etute, 18, will now be under house arrest and electronic monitoring at his parent's house in Virginia Beach, according to prosecutors. env: 'prod', During testimony Thursday, Etute said he entered Smith's apartment alone -- both teammates waited outside and were not charged with a crime -- and engaged with Smith on a bed. BE 100s The Commonwealth exercised its statutory right to appeal that . Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Plays Football. The medical examiners office had previously revealed that Smith had died from blunt force trauma to the head. Turk expanded on that point outside the courtroom. }).render('94bb55df4cdf465b83a6067603cd42e5'); Isimemen Etute was granted bond Wednesday on the charge of second-degree murder in the Montgomery County General District Court. Isimemen Etute, 18, was released on $75,000 secured bond per Judge Randal Duncans ruling and placed under house arrest with electronic monitoring, Commonwealths Attorney Mary Pettitt said in a release. Two of the defendant's friends waited in the hallway of the apartment complex during the violent attack and the three left together. Investigators ruled the death a homicide and identified Isimemen Etude as a person of interest. 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. Smiths family was in attendance. The questions Turk had for Isi Etute were of a similar nature. Today's top videos STORY CONTINUES BELOW A former Virginia Tech student and football player can now breathe the most enormous sigh of relief. Isimene Atute, a Virginia Tech football player was indicted Wednesday for murder. Etute attended middle school at TS Great Neck Middle School in Virginia Bech. In 2021, 18-year-old Isimemen Etute thought he met a 21-year-old woman named Angie Renee, posing as an emergency room physician, according toThe Roanoake Times. I do not know a finer 19 year old that Ive ever come into contact with.. 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. And that clearly had a play in the decision of the jury. Smith eventually died from blunt force injuries to the head. Circuit Judge Mike Fleenor didnt preclude the gay panic defense that was the subject of a law passed by the General Assembly last year on a procedural basis. Eighteen-year-old Isimemen Etute was a 2021 recruit on the Virginia Tech Hokies football team. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. 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. This wasn't a first-time meeting. subcat: '', 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. 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. targeting: { LA-based Host/Writer. 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.". Im trying to stay strong for the people that support me, I feel like Ive let a lot of people down. The college student had no prior criminal history. Everyone has a unique calling, special gifts, and amazing talent that NEEDS to be unleashed on the world. Isimemen Etute is 18 years old. Wizards, Warriors trade blows early then champs leave hosts on canvas, For Victor Robles and the Nats, a thorny offseason storyline returns, Capitals rally from three-goal deficit, clip Islanders in OT. Turk also argued that police didn't ask Etute essential questions about Smith's knife or Etute's fear while in the apartment, two questions whose answers could have shown whether Etute was afraid for his life and acting in self-defense. pos: 'right_rail_1', Former Virginia Tech football player Isimemen Etute seeks to resume pursuit of degree, football. You have permission to edit this article. INFORMATION div_id: 'div-gpt-ad-rightrail-3', That investigation became public in March thanks to unsealed search warrants filed in June 2021 by Federal Bureau of Investigation agents. - For people to unapologetically and fearlessly walk in their purpose. cnx.cmd.push(function() { Since 1970, BLACK ENTERPRISE has provided essential business information and advice to professionals, corporate executives, entrepreneurs, and decision makers. The order prohibits Etute from going back to Montgomery County except for court proceedings or to consult with his attorney. I think it was the correct decision based on the evidence that was presented to the jury. 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. given the abuse/deception of which Etute was the victim. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Turk was asked after the verdict came down if Etute should be allowed back at the university. The Blacksburg (Va.) Police Department responded to a welfare check Monday night where officers discovered a deceased male victim, according to the city's website. tude.refreshAdsViaDivMappings([ { Etute, according to court arguments, reportedly told police he had punched Smith five times in the face and stomped on him after discovering the person he thought was a woman was a man. cnx({ (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). "They can be extremely useful, but they can be extremely dangerous.". The three-day trial might not have done much to pique their interest. After the verdict, Etute's lawyer, James Turk, said his client deserved a second chance at a football career following the jury's decision. Etute testified that he stomped on Smith's face as he departed the apartment, leaving a bloody shoe print on Smith's cheek in the process. Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. }); window.tude = window.tude || { cmd: [] }; He added that Smith had "demanded that it be dark" and had hidden a knife under his mattress "in case there was something awry.". document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()), Who is Mohammed Nuru? kw: 'mandc,isimemen-etute', 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. What followed was a host of sad events. There was a problem saving your notification. Etute testified that he then believed Smith reached for a weapon under his bed, causing Etute to strike Smith with a fist several more times. page_type: 'article', CHRISTIANSBURG A now suspended Virginia Tech football player told police he punched a sexual partner five times in the face and stomped on him after discovering the person he thought was a woman was actually a man, according to arguments presented Wednesday in a Montgomery County courtroom. 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. cnx({ Virginia Tech football coach Justin Fuente has not spoken publicly about Etutes arrest. The two sides later Wednesday came to an agreement to release Etute on a $75,000 secured bond under house arrest and electronic monitoring, according to a release put out by Commonwealths Attorney Mary Pettitt. Real hard, Etute said. CASEY: Does an election denialist now oversee Roanokes elections? According to authorities, Etute visited Smith's apartment after making a Tinder. Helicopter crash near Ukraine kindergarten kills children and top officials, U.S. lawyer who died in Mexico was "victim of a brutal crime," family says, Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene, Paul Gosar and George Santos get House committee seats, Qantas plane lands safely on single engine after mayday call over Pacific, New Mexico lawmaker says shootings suspect confronted her outside her home, Gov. The Blacksburg (Va.) Police Department responded to a welfare check Monday night where officers discovered a deceased male victim, according to the citys website. And who he is judge for giving Etute a second chance attorney Turk... To be unleashed on the evidence that was dropped Wednesday afternoon you that im so fond of that young,! Punching and kicking Smith, breaking every bone in the death of Jerry Paul Smith in Blacksburg his broke. 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