Etute said he "felt around" and used his cell phone's flashlight to determine Smith was not a woman. You have permission to edit this article. Isimemen David Etute is accused of killing Jerry Paul Smith. "I think he's earned the right to go back to school and further his academic and sports career," Turk said. Prosecutors had earlier told the jury that Etute, then 18, became enraged and fatally beat Smith when he discovered Smith was a man. - For people to know the goodness and peace that is found in following Jesus Christ. Two of the defendant's friends waited in the hallway of the apartment complex during the violent attack and the three left together. Isimemen Etute, 19, was found not . 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 . tude.cmd.push(function() { divId: 'div-gpt-ad-rightrail-3', Under the agreement, Etute was allowed to be at his parent's house under house arrest and electronic monitoring. More than a dozen football players most of them clad in Virginia Tech gear were there in support of Etute. ", Former Hokie Etute found not guilty of murder, The final 2022 college football Power Rankings, Police: Speed a primary cause in fatal UGA crash, U-M's Weiss on leave amid police investigation, Reports: UF QB commit Rashada wants release, Miami QB Garcia in portal, has 3 eligible seasons, TCU WR Johnston, RB Miller entering NFL draft, Potential top-5 pick Stroud leaving OSU for NFL, Star Trojans WR Addison declares for NFL draft, Colorado QB Shrout leaves Deion, heads to portal, College football's Way-Too-Early Top 25 for 2023, What Garrett Riley's big move means for Clemson, Dabo and TCU, 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. 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. Why wouldnt it work in civil court? Burke said. Dont target or lure anyone under that perception. 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. June 10, 2021, 11:45 a.m.: This article has been updated to note that homicide victim Jerry Paul Smith's family declined to comment after the bond hearing. Link your TV provider to stream full episodes and live TV. Etute -- a 6-foot-2, 200-pound outside LB -- signed with Va. Tech after committing to the school in July 2020 . 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.. According to authorities, Etute visited Smith's apartment after making a Tinder. This photo provided by Blacksburg Police Dept., shows Isimemen Etute. He has since been suspended from the Virginia Tech football squad, the university said in a Wednesday statement. The student arrested is Isimemen Etute of Virginia Beach, Virginia, a freshman majoring in human development. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. SistersInc. env: 'prod', Etute failed to notify authorities that he'd left Smith injured, bubbling and gurgling, in the apartment. Isi Etute; Add Athlete Photo. Isimemen Etute, 19, was found not guilty of second degree murder by a Montgomery County jury on Friday for the beating death of Jerry Smith, 40, according to the Roanoke Times. 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. Ismemen David Etute of Virginia Beach was arrested and charged with second-degree murder June 2 in the death of Smith, a Blacksburg restaurant worker. Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. "It should be an eye-opener not just for college athletes, but any young people using these social media platforms," Turk said. Isimemen Etute faces traffic charges in Radford from the same day that he is accused of killing Jerry Paul Smith in Blacksburg. I dont mind telling you that Im so fond of that young man, he who has been and who he is. A statement from Virginia Tech said Etute was a member of the football team but, has been suspended from the team, effective immediately.. According to CBS News, Smiths family promptly exited the room. baseDivId: 'pb-slot-right-1', }); !function(n){if(!window.cnx){window.cnx={},window.cnx.cmd=[];var t=n.createElement('iframe');t.display='none',t.onload=function(){var n=t.contentWindow.document,c=n.createElement('script');c.src='//cd.connatix.com/connatix.player.js',c.setAttribute('async','1'),c.setAttribute('type','text/javascript'),n.body.appendChild(c)},n.head.appendChild(t)}}(document); A judge also granted Etute a $75,000 bond, which prosecutors originally appealed, but that was dropped Wednesday afternoon. 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. Certainly hope not, Turk said, when asked if he thinks the federal government would pursue filing charges. "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.". Management 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. I started when I was 16 and I haven't looked back. This also trickled down into the young football star being suspended from both the Virginia Tech Hokies team and the university. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. If that is true, that is very different from being surprised during the act and lashing out. 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. Jersey #20 Position OLB, WR Overall Region 7-5 6-4 VA Rank 134. He had just signed his letter of intent in December before enrolling at Virginia Tech in January. Michelle Etute was the first witness called and Turk led her through a series of questions about her sons background, his relationship with his family and their living situation. The verdict came after a three-day trial and just over three hours of jury deliberations. Etute admitted that Smith did not fight back and he heard a bubbly and gurgling noise while leaving the home. He is required to live with his family and wear an ankle monitor. tag: 'mandc,isimemen-etute', 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. Atutee has been charged and is currently being held in Montgomery County Jail without bond. But he finally was able to go to trial in Montgomery County Circuit Court recently. Isimemen David Etute at the end of his trial in Montgomery County Circuit Court in Christiansburg on Friday. 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. Another match, according to court arguments, was to take place May 31 at an apartment for additional sexual activity. baseDivId: 'pb-slot-right-1', Former Virginia Tech football player Isimemen Etute has been acquitted of a murder which occurred during a Tinder date. The Etute . Gay panic refers to claiming, in court, that the reaction to finding out someone elses sexual orientation or gender identity justifies violent acts. Etute confessed to then punching and kicking Smith, breaking every bone in the victims face, knocking out teeth and causing cranial fractures. Create your free profile and get access to exclusive content. - For people to unapologetically and fearlessly walk in their purpose. }); window.tude = window.tude || { cmd: [] }; targeting: { Driver in Pulaski County fatal crash had long list of violations, CASEY: Roanoke election overseer thought Trump won the 2020 election 'by millions of votes', Roanoke road rage shooting case ends in manslaughter conviction, Here are the 5 Virginia Bed Bath & Beyond stores that are closing, A green comet will appear in the night sky for the first time in 50,000 years, Lisa Marie Presley dies at 54 after hospitalization, believes that discrimination was at the heart of the issue, Former Virginia Tech LB Isi Etute lands at Iowa Western Community College after acquittal, Etute traffic charges resolved in Radford, Former Virginia Tech football player Isimemen Etute found not guilty in beating death of Blacksburg man, Killing of Jerry Paul Smith called 'irrational,' Isi Etute defense called discriminatory, Federal search warrants point to hate crime investigation against Etute, Top Ukrainian officials among 18 killed in helicopter crash near Kyiv, The world'soldest known person, French nun Lucile Randon, dead at 118, French Guiana: The center of drug smuggling to Europe, Ducks replace pesticides at South Africa vineyard. 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. At that time Etute discovered Smith was male, commonwealth attorneys told the court, and assaulted Smith. Based on court records search, over the last nine years there have been at least three other second-degree murder cases in Montgomery County Court, and one of the defendants, Taylor Stevers, was granted bail as well. Jensen recalled the testimony of medical examiner Dr. Amy Tharp, who Jensen said testified Smith had been the victim of a "brutal beating.". Plays Football. 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. A medical examiner ruled Smiths cause of death as a blunt force to the head. 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. Blacksburg police caught the 18-year old linebacker and suspended him from the college and group. 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. At the time, Etute was a freshman at Virginia Tech, where he also played football as their linebacker. We've received your submission. 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. tude.cmd.push(function() { Turk later addressed reporters outside of court. Etute said he went to Angies Blacksburg, Virginia apartment, where the pair engaged in oral sex for which his partner also paid Etute $50. Family handout Etute, who will stay with his parents in Virginia Beach, is due back in court on Sept. 23, WJZY reported.. A freshman on the Virginia Tech Hokies football team has been charged in a homicide investigation. 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. Some have suggested Etute suspected Smith was a dude and went there intending to confront him and potentially retaliate. Masthead. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. A grand jury returned the . 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. Also firmly in Etutes corner were his attorney, Jimmy Turk, and Turks family. Oxygen Insider is your all-access pass to never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more. 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. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). Etute did testify one of his reasons for returning to Smiths apartment was that his close friends had been making jokes that the Angie Renee he had a sexual encounter with on April 10, could have been a dude.. A jury on Friday acquitted a former Virginia Tech football player who had been accused of fatally beating a man he says he initially believed from a Tinder match to be a woman. The jury began deliberations after closing arguments ended shortly before 3 p.m. In the case of a felony arrest, the university has the authority to place a student on immediate interim suspension, Virginia Tech said in the statement. Etute also told police that Smith did not assault him. Eighteen-year-old Isimemen Etute was a 2021 recruit on the Virginia Tech Hokies football team. Hes obviously relieved as well.. MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Va. (TCD) -- A former football player at Virginia Tech University was found not guilty of beating a man to death who posed as a woman on a dating app. The jury deliberated for approximately three hours before returning its verdict around 6:30 p.m., The Roanoke Times reported. The college student had no prior criminal history. Etute collapsed in tears as the verdict was read, with cheers erupting from a contingent of about 30 family members, supporters and former teammates. The order prohibits Etute from going back to Montgomery County except for court proceedings or to consult with his attorney. Isimemen Etute, a Virginia Tech student now suspended from the university and its football team, is. His attorney, Jimmy Turk, told a judge the case was more than someone just showing up to an apartment and punching someone.. He, too, went to the apartment expecting a sexual encounter with a woman, but decided to leave after feeling uncomfortable. Etute was 18 years old at the time. The Commonwealth exercised its statutory right to appeal that . "It should be an eye-opener not just for college athletes, but any young people using these social media platforms," Turk said. Today, Isimemen David Etute was indicted by a grand jury on one count of Second-Degree murder. The linebackers parents and sister attended Wednesdays hearing, as well as a dozen Virginia Tech football players, most of whom were wearing team gear, according to the report. tag: 'mandc,isimemen-etute', Tyreses Daughter Shayla Gibson Is Now 14-Years-Old, Singer Is Sending Her Off To High School With A Brand New Rolls Royce, Power Was A Highly Successful Series That Led To Multiple Spin-Offs, However Omari Hardwick Claims He Didnt Make Much Money. The Roanoke Times have made multiple attempts to contact both parties. pos: 'right_rail_2', Criminologist Tod Burke, who is a former police officer and retired criminal justice professor, said its not unheard of for the federal government to pursue charges despite a not guilty even in state court. Privacy Policy The former Virginia Tech football player accused of beating a Tinder date to death after mistaking him for a woman was acquitted of second-degree murder Friday. Sign up forOxygen Insiderfor all the best true crime content. Upon the prodding of friends who suspected Angie was a man, Etute returned to the apartment on May 31, 2021. 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.". Police said the investigation has revealed Smith and Etute were acquaintances. On Wednesday, Etute was charged with second-degree murder, according to court documents reviewed by USA TODAY Sports. He heard bubbling and gurgling as he left the apartment, but didnt call the police. 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. Black Men XCEL Isimemen Etute, 18, Jerry Paul Smith, 40, (pictured right) Etute had previously been to Smith's residence on April 10 for oral sex under the impression that he was going to meet someone named Angie, attorneys for both the defense and prosecution told Judge Randal Duncan, according to the Roanoke Times. Etute has been charged with second-degree murder. Etute told the police he punched the victim five times in the face and continued punching the victim when the person hit the ground and stomped on him. 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. Ismemen David Etute, 18, is charged in the death of Jerry Smith, 40 Smith had posed as a woman named Angie on Tinder and had performed oral sex on Etute when they met in April, Etute's attorney . 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. div_id: 'div-gpt-ad-rightrail-1', Etute testified that if he determined Smith was a woman, another sexual encounter might have occurred, but that if he determined Smith was a man, he planned to flee the apartment. Reporters outside of court and get access to exclusive content court recently in. 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