each comment to let us know of abusive posts. Etute is charged with second-degree murder. However, they cant use it as a justification. 134. Information from the Blacksburg Police Department may be found at theTown of Blacksburg website. 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. New Group Aims To Refocus School Boards On Students, Real Education Policy, Economy He said Etute and Smith had matched on the dating site Tinder, but Smiths Tinder profile indicated he was a woman named Angie. The Blacksburg Police Department says 40-year-old Jerry Smith of Blacksburg, died in the incident. Virginia Tech football player told police he beat Tinder match to death Etute is currently being held at the Montgomery County Jail without bond. Turk also refused to comment. 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. Jurors will be tasked with deciding whether or not the defendant acted in self-defense, as he doesn't deny killing Smith. Fans wo. Compounding matters for the defense is that Virginia became the 12th state to implement a ban on the Gay Panic defense in April. Copyright 2021 WDBJ. Smith, who allegedly claimed to be a woman named Angie Renee, offered oral sex to Etute, who agreed and met up with Smith under these pretenses for the first time on April 10, 2021. Low 41F. Let us know what's going on! Join Facebook to connect with Jerry Paul Smith and others you may know. 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 . That has been an issue here in Virginia previously. The first asks that one of the witnesses is allowed to remain anonymous. The preliminary hearing in Etutes case isnt happening until September 23. If you're interested in submitting a Letter to the Editor, click here. Smith was found on the floor beside his bed with severe trauma to the face and head and blood splattered on the wall behind him. Jerry Paul Smith. Etute has a tremendous amount riding on this trial. The law should be disregarded, Etutes lawyers argued, because it didnt go into effect until July 1, about a month after the incident. Contact. Check out never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more! Create a free profile to get unlimited access to exclusive videos, breaking news, sweepstakes, and more! Le nombre de Saint-Martiniers par km (densit) est de 575.5. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph. Former College Football Player Accused of Killing Man He Met on Tinder La commune de Saint-Martin-le-Vinoux est une commune rhnalpine de taille moyenne habite par 5778 rsidents Saint-Martiniers. Victim identified in Blacksburg homicide; Hokies linebacker - WFXRtv He claimed Etute didnt know Smith was not anatomically a woman in their first encounter. 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. BLACKSBURG, Va. (WFXR) Police in Blacksburg have charged a man with murder in connection with a Tuesday night homicide. An arraignment was held Thursday for former Virginia Tech football player Isimemen Etute, accused of killing Jerry Paul Smith. Be Nice. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, Facebook gives people the. Etute then claimed he got up, stood next to the bed and asked Smith "Why didnt you tell me?" Isimemen Etute, now 19 years old, connected with 40-year old Jerry Paul Smith on the dating app Tinder. This was a wicked sexual ruse.". Twitter Etute told Angie to lay over the side of the bed to feel around and determine if she was a woman. Tinder connection led to man's murder by Virginia Tech football - WSET Apartment in Saint-grve, Auvergne-Rhne-Alpes, France. He said the two had video-chatted the night Jerry Paul Smith was killed and was concerned after he hadnt answered a follow-up call the next morning. Isimemen Etute found not guilty of second-degree murder - WFXRtv On Dec. 18, 2022, the world gathered to watch as Lionel Messi and Argentina triumphed over France in a World Cup Final that will go down in history. And what was the intent of the panic defense ban, to stop this from being used. 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. UPDATE 4:20 p.m.: Virginia Tech has issued a statement on the arrest of Isimemen Etute, a linebacker with the Virginia Tech Hokies, who has been charged with second degree murder. Three Ways Youngkin Has Undermined Democracy In Virginia (Just This Year), Get exclusive Virginia stories & news right in your inbox. He began beating Smith. According to a. 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. 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 . Etute was emotionally distraught and started crying upon hearing the news of Smiths death. And so, simply put, blaming the victim is not going to lead to a reduction in sentence.. 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. Your 24/7 streaming source for equality news and lifestyle trends. According to Hite, Etute and Smith met up for the first time on April 10, 2021. University and community resources are listed below. Sign up forOxygen Insiderfor all the best true crime content. It was during their second encounter on May 31, 2021, that Etute discovered Smiths identity and allegedly killed him in his apartment on North Main Street in Blacksburg. 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.. Megan Schiffres MATT GENTRY, The Roanoke. A motions hearing will be held on May 23 at 2 p.m. for a judge to decide how the motions will move forward. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. According to reports, he had told police that Smith did not fight back. The commune was created around 1100 where the church of St. Martin was located. VIVID AFFAIRS LLC in Blacksburg, VA | Company Info & Reviews - Bizapedia 804.320.1301. Who was more likely to be the aggressor? Former Virginia Tech LB Isimemen Etute found not guilty on murder Etute said that he accompanied Angie to the darkened bedroom and, after a period of time, asked to have sexual intercourse. Those in the Virginia Tech community who need assistance or counseling support may contact: Cook Counseling Centerat 540-231-6557. Roem and Coughlin say judges are responsible for enforcing Virginias ban on the panic defense. Judge Mike Fleenor denied the request on Monday. We've blurred their faces until police confirm their. Isimemen Etute stands at his preliminary hearing at Montgomery County Court House, Sept. 24, 2021. Youngkin Diversity Chief Dismisses Diversity Efforts, Education or anything. Check out these great suggestions. Etute wiped the blood off the bottom of his shoes before meeting his two friends who were waiting outside Smiths apartment for Etute. Does American culture promote a healthy work-life balance. When Knowing Matters Jerry - RegionalObituaries.com | Facebook The video footage was shared exclusively with us from the property owner of the victims apartment; the owner would like to remain anonymous. Virginia Tech football player accused of murder appears in court "Nobody deserves to die, but I don't mind saying, don't pretend you are something that you are not," Etute's attorney, James Turk, told reporters outside of court on Wednesday. Monsieur Sylvain LAVAL qui est la tte d'un conseil municipal compos de 29 lus municipaux saint-martiniers est ag de 38 ans et dont la profession est Personnes diverses sans activit professionnelle de moins de 60 ans (sauf retraits). 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. 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. When attorneys use the panic defense, they claim a violent panic came over their clients after learning someones gender identity or sexual orientation. Any updates from the university will be posted to the universitys news and information website,vtx.vt.edu. Get an email notification whenever someone contributes to the discussion. You have permission to edit this article. But, as. Mairie Saint-Martin-le-Vinoux (38950-Auvergne-Rhne-Alpes), adresse The defendant told the court he believed he bruised [Smith] up a little but was surprised to learn from police that the victim had died. 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. Etutes family exited out the back of the courthouse and declined to comment. Etute explained that he groped his partner, including trying to reach around for the genitals, and something felt off to him. 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). 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. Etute is charged with second-degree murder in connection to the death of 40-year-old Jerry Smith of Blacksburg back . 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. TikTokWant more news, top stories, and videos? ", Be sure to follow There was an error processing your request. Witnesses have been identified and interviewed, and are cooperating with the investigation, police say. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Private Policy and Terms of Use. The prosecution contends statutes apply at the time of trial not the date of the alleged criminal offense. BestReviews is reader-supported and may earn an affiliate commission. 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. They said Smiths tactics amounted to sexual battery under Virginia law. So why is it showing up in a Blacksburg murder case? 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. We want YOU to join the Collegiate Times! Notifications from this discussion will be disabled. UPDATE 6 p.m.: WFXR News has learned that Isimemen Etute has been scheduled for a hearing in Montgomery County District Court on Thursday. The man who hid the knife or this goofy, gullible kid?" Instagram 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. With the ban, defendants will still be able to tell their side of the story. The investigation revealed that Smith and Isimemen Etute who was charged with second degree murder in connection with Smith's death were acquaintances. Turk described Etute as quiet and soft-spoken. Check out the all NEW Advocate Channel! The two had been communicating via Tinder direct messages, Smith presenting himself as Angie Renee'' on his profile. Born May 18, 1981 in Montgomery County, VA, he was the son of the late Jerry Wayne Smith and Sandra Cumbee Smith. Cloudy with occasional rain showers. 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. The 19-year-old is accused of fatally beating Jerry Paul Smith, 40, after the two met on Tinder in May 2021. . Search salaries of employees from Virginia Tech and other universities dating back to 2007. The autopsy report has revealed blunt force trauma to the head as the cause of Smith's death. Courtesy of Matt Gentry from the Roanoke Times, Suspended Virginia Tech football player appears in court on second-degree murder charge. If juries accepted it, the judge would instruct them to take it into consideration when deciding the defendants sentence. But Etute became so agitated that he began punching Smith, according to information presented by Morgan and by defense attorney Jimmy Turk. Its a legal defense Virginia banned earlier this year. 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His court-appointed attorney, Naomi Huntington, has been replaced by Jimmy Turk, who has represented other Hokie athletes in criminal matters. This bill goes into effect July 1. The judge called upon three detectives as witnesses to share details of the encounter between Etute and Smith. 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. The trial is expected to continue through Thursday. PBS is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. Virginia passed a law last year banning the use of "gay panic" or "trans panic" defenses in homicide or assault cases. BLACKSBURG, Va. (WDBJ) - Surveillance video shows three people leaving quickly from Jerry Smiths Blacksburg apartment May 31. Thanks to our sponsors Become a Sponsor. Twitter Megan Schiffres, Originally Published When she arrived, she described bloody footwear tracked throughout the halls and down the stairs. Be Proactive. Smith was found dead the next day, having sustained multiple blunt force traumas to his face and head. Dr. Amy Marie Tharp, of the Roanoke Medical Examiner's office . June 22, 2021 4:06 am EDT. Jensen commented on this by saying the defendant "has a motive for changing what he said. 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. Etute pleaded not guilty to the murder charge during his arraignment last week. 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. 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. The 18-year-old is charged with second-degree murder. Now, judges have to be clear the Commonwealth does not recognize that defense. Etute appeared in Montgomery County General District Court in Christiansburg Wednesday. A suspended Virginia Tech football player accused of killing a gay man has said he became enraged after discovering the person he had met for a sexual encounter was male. Sick Of Divisive Attacks On Schools? Once Etute shined his phones flashlight on Smiths face which revealed facial hair and his identity as a man, Etute punched Smith in the face five times and stomped on his head with his foot before leaving. transgender and non-conforming people killed in 2021. . Advocate on your favorite social platforms!Facebook Saying identification could pose a risk of retaliatory physical and mental harm to the witness.. Blacksburg Police continues to lead this ongoing investigation, and the university will assist law enforcement agencies working the case in any way it can. This wasnt a first-time meeting. Lawyers have used the plea eight times since 1986 and it can be successful. History. "That's not what led to the death. Dont target or lure anyone under that perception. Your 24/7 streaming source for equality news and lifestyle trends. 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. In a June 9 hearing, prosecutors said Etute, who was at the time a linebacker on the colleges football team, told police he punched Smith several times in the face after learning they were not anatomically female. (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.). racist or sexually-oriented language. And by the time Etutes case goes to trial, the court will no longer accept it. accounts, the history behind an article. Contact. BLACKSBURG, Va. (WDBJ) - Surveillance video shows three people leaving quickly from Jerry Smith 's Blacksburg apartment May 31. In addition, Etute, a member of the football team, has been suspended from the team, effective immediately. Etute has been charged with second-degree murder. According to the Blacksburg Police Department, officers responded to 119 North Main Street for a welfare check at 10:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 1 and found a dead man at the scene. BLACKSBURG, Va. (WDBJ) - The suspect in a 2021 killing in Blacksburg has pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder. The law of evidence at the time of the trial is what applies, not at the time of the offense, said Del. Details. 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. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Nobody deserves to die, but I dont mind saying, dont pretend you are something that you are not. "The facts for the most part in this case are not contested," prosecutor Patrick Jensen said in his closing statement, the paper reports.