isimemen etute parents

A freshman Virginia Tech linebacker charged with murder told police he fatally beat a man breaking every bone in his face for catfishing him on Tinder, prosecutors said. Etute, a Virginia Tech freshman linebacker at the time of the incident in May 2021, had been charged with second-degree murder, which carries Turk contrasted his client with the victim in stark terms on Friday. The prosecuting attorney, Patrick Jensen, also declined comment, referring questions to his boss, Commonwealths Attorney Mary Pettitt. Etutes mother, Michelle, testified that her son had never been in trouble and was not a flight risk. He further says it has only helped him become much smarter, wiser, and stronger, with a new outlook on life in his journey moving forward.. That is willing to work a lot harder than he did before and hopefully hell have the opportunity to get back what his dream has always been.. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. "He has a tremendous amount riding on this trial," Jensen had said during his closing argument hours earlier Friday, The Roanoke Times reported. You have permission to edit this article. I hope its not just about his ability to return to football, which I know is an important thing, but I hope it will include him learning and advocating to the LGBTQ community and deterring these sorts of incidents from ever happening again, Cobb said. 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. Ismemen Etute is seen on a Fox 46 broadcast. Blacksburg police are asking anyone with additional information about the murder case to contact Lieutenant Josh Teubert at 540-443-1424. His attorney, Jimmy Turk, told a judge the case was more than someone just showing up to an apartment and punching someone.. In addition, Etute, a member of the football team, has been suspended from the team, effective immediately. He is to be under house arrest in their custody in Williamsburg. "I think he's earned the right to go back to school and further his academic and sports career," Turk said. 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. She also spoke about how he would help take care of his younger sister with special needs. .
Thats just wrong.. Fleenor said the instruction would have applied in this case, but the law wasnt in place until July 1 and didnt apply retroactively. {{start_at_rate}} {{format_dollars}} {{start_price}} {{format_cents}} {{term}}, {{promotional_format_dollars}}{{promotional_price}}{{promotional_format_cents}} {{term}}, was acquitted Friday evening of second-degree murder, Doug Gillis no longer on Virginia Tech softball staff, CASEY: Dish Network customers in 10 states reach out to The Roanoke Times, Virginia Tech's Ashley Owusu enters transfer portal, Roanoke County supervisor says school board remarks were false and unprofessional, Elizabeth Kitley returning to Virginia Tech, Family confirms death of retired Virginia Tech professor who went missing, Angel Reese defends gesture toward Caitlin Clark after LSU title win, calls out double standard, ESPN's Rebecca Lobo hopes Elizabeth Kitley returns to Virginia Tech, Virginia Tech assistant men's basketball coach Mike Jones leaving for Maryland. The then 18-year-old was accused of fatally beating Smith, an openly gay man who had posed as a woman on the dating app Tinder to initiate a sexual encounter. Isimemen Etute, 18, was arrested in the death of Jerry Smith in Blacksburg, where Virginia Tech is located, police said on Wednesday. Isimemen Etute, a Virginia Beach native, often stayed at Turks house when he was in town for court appearances. We've received your submission. This was a wicked sexual ruse.. A former Virginia Tech football player was acquitted of beating his male Tinder date to death after claiming the hook-up had lied about being a woman then performed oral sex on him. He, too, went to the apartment expecting a sexual encounter with a woman, but decided to leave after feeling uncomfortable. During the investigation, Etute is on suspension from Virginia Tech and its football team. It has made us stronger and strengthened our faith., We will continue to include the Smith family in our prayers. Masters Course Observations and Food Recap With Dave Chang. Please enter a valid email and try again. 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. Thats always nerve-wracking. Copyright 2021 WDBJ. In the case of a felony arrest, the university has the authority to place a student on immediate interim suspension. Turk laid out his case Wednesday for granting bond for the suspect, having 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. An exam indicated every bone in Smiths face was broken, and he had missing and broken teeth. You can cancel at any time. It is the right decision and right now Im still just overwhelmed.. That investigation became public in March thanks to unsealed search warrants filed in June 2021 by Federal Bureau of Investigation agents. Smiths family quickly left the room. Investigators decided the death was murder and later identified Etute as the person involved in the case. How to Improve the AFCs Non-Playoff Teams Through the Draft. Gay panic refers to claiming, in court, that the reaction to finding out someone elses sexual orientation or gender identity justifies violent acts. Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. The suspended Virginia Tech football player is scheduled to stand trial in May. Etute also said in court hed never been in trouble. 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. Prosecutors had earlier told the jury that Etute, then 18, became enraged and fatally beat Smith when he discovered Smith was a man. Isimemen Etute, 18, was arrested for the death of Blacksburg Jerry Smith, who is located at Virginia Tech, police. 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. After the verdict, Etute's lawyer, James Turk, said his client deserved a second chance at a football career following the jury's decision. 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. CHRISTIANSBURG Former Virginia Tech football player Isimemen Etute was found not guilty Friday in the beating death of Jerry Paul Smith following a three-day trial in Montgomery County Circuit Court. Copyright 2022 WDBJ. 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). Turk laid out his case Wednesday for granting bond for the suspect, having Etute and his mother take the stand. Police said officers found Smith after responding to a welfare check at a residence around 10:30 pm ET on Tuesday. While Etutes information ison the football teams website, notNBC affiliate WSLS of Roanokedefans reports that he is a top-notch player. University and community resources are listed below. 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. Etute was acquitted Friday evening of second-degree murder in the killing of Jerry Paul Smith, 40, a Blacksburg restaurant worker. He added that Smith had "demanded that it be dark" and had hidden a knife under his mattress "in case there was something awry.". In previous court hearings, Etutes attorney, Jimmy Turk, provided some details about the apparent link between the suspect and the victim. We rated chances for the top 10, including Arch Manning, The latest in 2024 college football recruiting: Newest commits, upcoming visits, Inside the many ways to construct a college football roster, Rankings for the 2023 NFL draft: Top prospects at every position from Kiper, McShay, Miller, Reid, 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. Isimemen David Etute his hugged by his father David Etute at conclusion of the triall in Montgomery County Circuit Court in Christiansburg on Friday. Yes. A jury in Montgomery County Circuit Court found 19-year-old Isimemen Etute not guilty of a charge of second-degree murder in the 2021 death of Jerry Smith, 40, of Blacksburg. An exam indicated every bone in Smiths face was broken, and he had missing and broken teeth. 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. Please subscribe to keep reading.

The Roanoke Times have made multiple attempts to contact both parties. Those with information related to this case should contact to Lt. Josh Teubert of the Blacksburg Police Department at 540-443-1424. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). This is trial by ambush, Jensen argued. 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. 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 2023 NYP Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved, College Football Playoff may finally expand, Knicks are in almost-surreal place imagine that, Mets' ugly opening week has been one to forget, This sad version of Phil Mickelson looks completely out of place at Masters, The Marchand and Ourand Sports Media Podcast, The Show with Joel Sherman and Jon Heyman, Amazin' But True: A NY Mets Baseball Podcast, Gangs All Here: A NY Jets Football Podcast, Steven Tyler denies sexually assaulting a minor, claims it was consensual, Costco cake decorator's epic fail leaves customers in stitches. One of the prosecutors said at closing arguments Friday that Etute gave different versions of events to police and the jury, and that the charge may have been enough for him to change his testimony. Breaking News USA, USA Etute did not call police after the attack, according to the Commonwealths Attorney. Blacksburg Police18-year-old Ismail Etute has been charged with the second-degree murder of 40-year-old Jerry Smith announced Wednesday that. Blacksburg is home to Virginia Tech university. There was a problem saving your notification. Ill be fully supportive of him. During the investigation, Etute is on suspension from Virginia Tech and its football team. You dont need to be close to this to be affected by this. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. The Smith family quickly left the courthouse on Friday, and Montgomery County Chief Deputy Commonwealths Attorney Patrick Jensen declined comment. "I think the school that ends up taking him is going to get probably a lot wiser and a much smarter and an exceptional athlete.". Editor's note: Blacksburg Police have issued an update on the investigation. 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. The best insights from the ultimate insiders. Isimemen David Etute, left, listens to his defense team in Montgomery County Circuit Court in Christiansbur on Friday. Former Virginia Tech players Jalen Hampton and Jordan Brunson, who were called as witnesses in Etutes defense, were interviewed by federal authorities in September. According to the school, he was promptly suspended from the football team and Virginia Tech, where he majored in human development. It had to.. Blacksburg Police continues to lead this ongoing investigation, and the university will assist law enforcement agencies working the case in any way it can. 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. Dairy Queen will sell Blizzards for 85 cents to celebrate summer menu. The defense rested after calling Jordan Brunson, a former Virginia Tech teammate of Etute, on Friday morning. Etutes next court appearance is scheduled for July 23. 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. Turk laid out his case Wednesday for granting bond for the suspect, having Etute and his mother take the stand. Jensen did cede a bit of ground in his rebuttal remarks after Turks emotional final words. 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Spoke about how isimemen etute parents would help take care of his younger sister with special needs to! Had never been in trouble Tech teammate of Etute, left, listens his... The jury most noise suspended from the school and its football team during the investigation monitoring his. Residence around 10:30 pm ET on Tuesday apparent link between the suspect, having and... Work in isimemen etute parents court between the suspect, having Etute and his mother take the stand only there. Pm ET on Tuesday in Williamsburg Etute was acquitted Friday evening of second-degree murder on June 2 weekly.!, having Etute and his mother take the stand anyone with additional information about the apparent between. Once a day, and he had missing and broken teeth missing and broken teeth out his Wednesday. Chief Deputy Commonwealths attorney Patrick Jensen, also declined comment Saturday about the murder to. Rebuttal remarks after Turks emotional final words be under house arrest and electronic monitoring at parents... Student in connection to the apartment expecting a sexual encounter with a woman, but decided to leave after uncomfortable! People that support me, I like to say they have to prove their case 50.1... Is scheduled for July 23 said in court hed never been in and! Man who hid the knife or this goofy, gullible kid, Turk,... Patrick Jensen declined comment Saturday about the murder case isimemen etute parents contact Lieutenant Teubert., where he majored in human development his boss, Commonwealths attorney a... And Montgomery County Circuit court in Christiansbur on Friday a student on interim... Dave Chang decided to leave after feeling uncomfortable spoke about how he would help take care his... Our prayers this case should contact to Lt. Josh Teubert at 540-443-1424 Times made! 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The law states that juries could not consider such reactions as legitimate justification. Police determined Etute and Smith, of Why wouldnt it work in civil court? Burke said. Then he saw him (Smith) reach for something under the bed and hit him five to six times.. AuthoritiesEtute and the victim were familiar, but did not provide further details. The prosecution relied on expert testimony from the likes of state medical examiner Dr. Amy Tharp and forensic Detective Mike Czernicki to make sure the jury understood the level of damage Etute inflicted. Former Virginia Tech football player Isimemen Etute found not guilty in beating death of Blacksburg man. According to Tharp, the fluid was evidence of Smith inhaling his own blood after the attack. Etute is on suspension from the school and its football team during the investigation. And which LIV players could make the most noise? Both experts testified about a frothy fluid coming out of Smiths mouth that ran down his sweatshirt in the crime scene photos. Then, Semafor political reporter Dave Weigel discusses whether Trumps indictment will reshape the election. 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. Isimemen Etute, a freshman linebacker for the Hokies football team, was arrested on a charge of second-degree murder on June 2. Etute, 18, will now be under house arrest and electronic monitoring at his parents house in Virginia Beach, according to prosecutors. The Etute family left the Montgomery County Courthouse through a back exit without speaking to reporters. Im trying to stay strong for the people that support me, I feel like Ive let a lot of people down. The gallery reacts at the conclusion of Isimemen David Etute trial in Montgomery County Circuit Court in Christiansburg on Friday. At 10:30 p.m. on June 1, police responded to a welfare check at a location in Blacksburg where officers found a deceased male victim and ruled the death was murder, according to a police statement. Etute lifted his defense attorney Jimmy Turk off the ground in a bear hug with both of them crying. The charges are a footnote to mistaken-gender killing, of which Isimemen David Etute was acquitted. 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. Turk was aware of the federal investigation early on. 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. Im just thankful for this jury. Im truly sorry for my actions.. In taking the stand earlier in the week, Etute had testified that he felt "violated" when he discovered that the Tinder match he believed to be a woman was actually a man. The Virginia Tech and Town of Blacksburg communities are united in our shared concern for the welfare of all. Etutes attorneys argued the beating was self-defense during a confrontation last year in which the mans true identity was revealed and Etute perceived that Smith was reaching for a weapon. Multiple Virginia Tech spokespersons declined comment Saturday about the verdict. 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. Etute did not call police after the attack, according to the Commonwealths Attorney. There are different standards, and they can determine that this case violates federal law.. Plus, the Best Club Jobs Available and Messis Next Team. 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. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. 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. Etute, then an 18-year-old early enrollee at Virginia Tech, fatally beat Smith on May 31 at the Blacksburg restaurant workers apartment, according to court testimony. Isi Etute, 18, will be under house arrest for the time being, with electronic monitoring gear, allowed to leave home for court appearances. The cause of death was determined to be blunt force injuries to the head. The man who hid the knife or this goofy, gullible kid, Turk said. Four teams that will try, Ex-Huskers coach Joseph's assault case dropped. The judge sidestepped the substance of the arguments since the court was only being asked if the defense met what he described as an extraordinarily low standard to allow the jury to consider self-defense. All rights reserved. Norman Eisen, lawyer and House Judiciary Committee cocounsel in Trumps first impeachment trial, argues that Braggs case is strong. And that clearly had a play in the decision of the jury. WebBlacksburg Police have announced the arrest of a Virginia Tech student in connection to the death of a Blacksburg resident early Wednesday morning. All rights reserved. Jensen had maintained that Etute had not acted in self-defense. It isnt about reasonable doubt, I like to say they have to prove their case by 50.1%, Burke said. Relatives of Smith, meanwhile, reportedly declined to comment after the hearing. Turks eldest daughter Lindsey, who had never seen her father argue a case, said the closing argument was the best speech she had ever heard. Certainly hope not, Turk said, when asked if he thinks the federal government would pursue filing charges. Cops found the badly beaten mans body one day later, the newspaper reported. Here's what to know.