A suspended Virginia Tech Hokie linebacker took the stand in his own defense during his trial for killing a person who he alleges pretended to be a woman during an intimate encounter. Isimemen Etute says he thought Jerry Paul Smith was a woman when they met for sex. View the profiles of people named Jerry Paul Smith. 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. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 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. Their body was discovered the next day. Subscribe today! Nobody deserves to die, but I dont mind saying, dont pretend you are something that you are not. Weve blurred their faces until police confirm their identities and if they are looking for additional suspects in the murder of Smith, who was found dead, the victim of blunt force head injuries, the night of June 1. Would PRIDE Act Help? As the courtroom stood, the families of both the defendant and victim entered and were seated on opposite sides of the aisle. The defense also pointed to weapons Smith had in his apartment as evidence that Etute was fearful for his safety. I was just shocked and in disbelief that someone had tricked me and lied to me.. He is now suspended from both the team and the university. In a June 9 hearing, prosecutors said Etute, who was at the time a linebacker on the college's football team, told police he punched Smith several times in the face after learning they were not anatomically female. Twitter Information from the Blacksburg Police Department may be found at theTown of Blacksburg website. 5 Beds 1 Baths 1765 sqft. Etute wiped the blood off the bottom of his shoes before meeting his two friends who were waiting outside Smiths apartment for Etute. Born May 18, 1981 in Montgomery County, VA, he was the son of the late Jerry Wayne Smith and Sandra Cumbee Smith. 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. If juries accepted it, the judge would instruct them to take it into consideration when deciding the defendants sentence. Isimemen Etute, now 19 years old, connected with 40-year old Jerry Paul Smith on the dating app Tinder. The address on file for this person is 119 N Main St Apt 207, Blacksburg, VA 24060-3945 in Montgomery County. 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The 18-year-old was charged with the death of Blacksburg restaurant manager Jerry Paul Smith after allegedly punching and stomping the 40-year-old multiple times on May 31. 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. The 18-year-old was charged with the death of Blacksburg restaurant manager Jerry Paul Smith after allegedly punching and stomping the 40-year-old multiple times on May 31. Advocate on your favorite social platforms!Facebook New THC Laws to Take Effect in Virginia July 1, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Facebook gives people the. ", Be sure to follow Megan Schiffres Cloudy with occasional rain showers. Left. "Don't target or lure anyone under that perception. The video footage was shared exclusively with us from the property owner of the victims apartment; the owner would like to remain anonymous. Danica Roem (D Prince William). 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. La commune de Saint-Martin-le-Vinoux est une commune rhnalpine de taille moyenne habite par 5778 rsidents Saint-Martiniers. When she arrived, she described bloody footwear tracked throughout the halls and down the stairs. Then jurors will decide whether or not Etute is guilty of second-degree murder. Blacksburg Police continues to lead this ongoing investigation, and the university will assist law enforcement agencies working the case in any way it can. A Virginia Tech spokesperson says Etute is the only football player who has been suspended from the team. racist or sexually-oriented language. Suspect in alleged sex-related killing enters not-guilty plea, (MATT GENTRY, The Roanoke Times | (AP Photo / The Roanoke Times, Matt Gentry, Pool)), Pedestrian on life support after being hit in SE Roanoke traffic, Aerosmith announces farewell tour starting in September, Person being treated after Bedford County barricade, Troopers make interesting find while cleaning highway, Proposed campaign wants to propel gun violence resources into the spotlight in Roanoke, Bridging the Great Health Divide Across the US, PublicFileAccess@wdbj7.com - (540) 344-7000. Born May 18, 1981 in Montgomery County, VA, he was the son of the late Jerry. 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. 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. Etute has been charged with second-degree murder. Following a sexual encounter at Smiths apartment in Blacksburg, Etute discovered Smith was not an anatomical woman and proceeded to punch them multiple times. Judge Mike Fleenor denied the request on Monday. 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. 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. "The facts for the most part in this case are not contested," prosecutor Patrick Jensen said in his closing statement, the paper reports. Sort: new. In the case of a felony arrest, the university has the authority to place a student on immediate interim suspension. They said Smiths tactics amounted to sexual battery under Virginia law. Jerry Paul Smith, 40 known as Gigi by his nephews of Blacksburg, VA departed this life, June 1, 2021, at his home. History. All rights reserved. Saying identification could pose a risk of retaliatory physical and mental harm to the witness.. Be sure to follow MATT GENTRY, The Roanoke. . 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. 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. The judge called upon three detectives as witnesses to share details of the encounter between Etute and Smith. If you need assistance or support, you are encouraged to reach out for help. Be Nice. Success! The autopsy report has revealed blunt force trauma to the head as the cause of Smith's death. He realized Smith was a man and became enraged. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph. Those with information related to this case should contact to Lt. Josh Teubert of the Blacksburg Police Department at 540-443-1424. Blacksburg police found Jerry Paul Smith dead in his North Main Street apartment on June 1. According to a. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); RICHMOND Its a temporary insanity plea. Jurors will be tasked with deciding whether or not the defendant acted in self-defense, as he doesn't deny killing Smith. Etute took the stand on the third day of his trial and gave a play-by-play of what he now says happened the night that Smith died, according to The Roanoke Times. MATT GENTRY, The Roanoke. It isn't clear from media reports why Etute thought Smith was a woman during the initial encounter. The legal strategy is thought to secure more lenient sentences for defendants who claim their violent acts were a response to learning a victim's sexual orientation or gender identity. Etute, a Virginia Tech student and athlete, has been placed on interim suspension, effective immediately. Police found Smith in his apartment during a welfare check. 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. 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. We've blurred their faces until police confirm their. In addition, Etute, a member of the football team, has been suspended from the team, effective immediately. Jurors had to stand from the panel to watch the demonstration. Luxury Duplex Homes for Sale in Saint grve, Auvergne Rhne Alpes, France. New 7 days ago. 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. 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 was broken and that he had skull fractures, the Roanoke Times reports. No one has identified Smith as transgender; his family has said he was a gay man. Instagram No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism ", 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.". Roem and Coughlin say judges are responsible for enforcing Virginias ban on the panic defense. Published: May. Virginia Techs United Feminist Movement gathered with other students on campus on Wednesday, April 26, for the organizations annual Take Back the Night rally. 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During a bond hearing last week, the Montgomery County General District Court was told Smith had multiple social media accounts where he posed as a woman named "Angie.". We want YOU to join the Collegiate Times! The law of evidence at the time of the trial is what applies, not at the time of the offense, said Del. His mother had testified that someone is always at their home and that the family includes three siblings, among them a younger sister with Down syndrome. Instagram University and community resources are listed below. To their family and co-workers, Angie was known as 40-year-old restaurant manager Jerry Paul Smith. TikTokWant more news, top stories, and videos? All rights reserved. Using photos, text, and video dynamically, the site informs and prompts concerned African citizens and activists globally to act, denouncing officially-sanctioned corruption, the material impoverishment of its citizenry, defilement of the environment, and the callous disregard of the democratic principles enshrined in the constitution. Etute told Angie to lay over the side of the bed to feel around and determine if she was a woman. A suspended Virginia Tech Hokie linebacker took the stand in his own defense during his trial for killing a person who he alleges pretended to be a woman during an intimate encounter. Political History, Black Youth Leader Says He Was Mistakenly Detained While Naked, New Jersey Librarian Files Federal Complaint After Being Fired for 'Gay Lifestyle'. Etute has a tremendous amount riding on this trial. Your 24/7 streaming source for equality news and lifestyle trends. 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 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. During the June 9 hearing, Etutes attorney James Turk argued it wasnt a simple case of going to an apartment and punching someone. According to Hite, Etute and Smith met up for the first time on April 10, 2021. BLACKSBURG, Va. (WDBJ) - Surveillance video shows three people leaving quickly from Jerry Smith 's Blacksburg apartment May 31. Threats of harming another 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. Without a declaration from the deceased regarding their pronouns, name or gender identity, VPM News will refer to the victim as Smith or they/them. Smith was using the photo and identity of a 28-year-old woman named Angie Renee. Courtesy of Matt Gentry from the Roanoke Times, Suspended Virginia Tech football player appears in court on second-degree murder charge. A man he met on Tinder is charged with second-degree murder. 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. Drugs The investigation revealed that Smith and Isimemen Etute who was charged with second degree murder in connection with Smiths death were acquaintances. Three Ways Youngkin Has Undermined Democracy In Virginia (Just This Year), Get exclusive Virginia stories & news right in your inbox. In that panic, their client assaulted or killed the victim. That's just wrong.". The company is a Virginia Domestic Limited-Liability Company, which was filed on October 22, 2020. 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. The Commonwealths Attorney says Etute punched Smith five times in the head, making Smith fall, at which point Etute stepped on Smiths head. Fans wo. . 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.. You dont need to be close to this to be affected by this. Jerry Paul Smith, 40 known as Gigi by his nephews of Blacksburg, VA departed this life, June 1, 2021, at his home. Get an all-access pass to never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more! The commonwealth and defense attorneys are now working to agree on the number of witnesses the defense can bring to the trial. You have permission to edit this article. According to testimony given in court, 18-year-old Isimemen David Etute said he went to a Blacksburg apartment to meet Angie, a woman he connected with on Tinder. Oxygen Insider is your all-access pass to never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more! Etute pleaded not guilty to the murder charge during his arraignment last week. person will not be tolerated. Born May 18, 1981 in Montgomery County, VA, he was the son of the late Jerry Wayne Smith and Sandra Cumbee Smith. During the investigation, police say Isimemen Etute a linebacker with the Virginia Tech Hokies was identified as a person of interest and was later charged with second degree murder. 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. This was a wicked sexual ruse.". Be Proactive. Police found a knife hidden under Smith's mattress, leading Turk to say, "Who would be more likely to resort to violence? 5 Beds 1 Baths 1765 sqft. Blacksburg Police have announced the arrest of a Virginia Tech student in connection to the death of a Blacksburg resident early Wednesday morning. Get an email notification whenever someone contributes to the discussion. 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. Check out the all NEW Advocate Channel! Etute then voluntarily got on the courtroom floor for jurors, showing how he says he beat Smith by using a tissue box to represent the victims head, according to the Times. Referral to a campus cleric may be made through this office. An exam indicated every bone in Smiths face was broken, and he had missing and broken teeth. VPM News Morning Monitor enlightens and entertains readers weekdays with news you should care about. Keep it Clean. His court-appointed attorney, Naomi Huntington, has been replaced by Jimmy Turk, who has represented other Hokie athletes in criminal matters. Exclusive footage shows comings and goings at murder victims home, Pedestrian on life support after being hit in SE Roanoke traffic, Aerosmith announces farewell tour starting in September, Person being treated after Bedford County barricade, Troopers make interesting find while cleaning highway, Proposed campaign wants to propel gun violence resources into the spotlight in Roanoke, Bridging the Great Health Divide Across the US, PublicFileAccess@wdbj7.com - (540) 344-7000. "Etute heard 'bubbling and gurgling' as he left the apartment but didn't call the police. 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. House GOP Passes Bill That Would Take Food and Healthcare From Virginia Families, Politics The brands new pale lilac shade can freshen up your kitchens look IN THIS ARTICLE: Le Creuset is known for its premium enameled stone and cast-iron cookware. A graduate of VCU, Megan previously worked as a reporter for the Rappahannock Record. Any updates from the university will be posted to the universitys news and information website,vtx.vt.edu. Create a free profile to get unlimited access to exclusive videos, breaking news, sweepstakes, and more! The court has set September 23, 2021 as the date for Etute's preliminary hearing on the murder charge. Check out never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more! 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. The company's principal address is 110 Draper Rd Nw, Blacksburg, VA 24060-7402. We'd love to hear eyewitness A motions hearing will be held on May 23 at 2 p.m. for a judge to decide how the motions will move forward. Etutes family exited out the back of the courthouse and declined to comment. Don't Threaten. ruled Isi Etute is not guilty in the killing in 2021 of Jerry Smith in Blacksburg. A knife was found sandwiched between the boxspring and mattress on the side of the bed where Smith was found. Check out the all NEW Advocate Channel! Etute is currently being held at the Montgomery County Jail without bond. Twitter Check out these great suggestions. Virginia passed a law last year banning the use of "gay panic" or "trans panic" defenses in homicide or assault cases. Etute is charged with second-degree murder. Heres where the panic defense comes in. UPDATE 3:40 p.m.: Police in Blacksburg have identified the victim in Tuesday nights homicide. 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. He later beat Smith to death. Smith performed oral sex on Etute when they hooked up April 10, 2021, with Etute still believing Smith was a woman. Isimemen David Etute, 18, has been charged with second-degree murder. 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. Sign up forOxygen Insiderfor all the best true crime content. The city remained a mostly rural area, until the 19th century, when it saw its first industrial . Honestly, I was destroyed, Etute stated. Such defenses claim that the victim's gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation is a provocation to violence. That means this bill will be in effect, in full effect, by the time of the trial. The contact is Jerry Paul Smith from Blacksburg VA. Smith's family wore shirts with Jerry's face on them. So why is it showing up in a Blacksburg murder case? When attorneys use the panic defense, they claim a violent panic came over their clients after learning someones gender identity or sexual orientation. 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. Megan Schiffres, Originally Published The trial is expected to continue through Thursday. If you have information about this incident, you are asked to contact the Blacksburg Police Department at (540) 443-1400 or the Blacksburg Police Tip Line at (540) 961-1819, where you can remain anonymous. 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. Its a legal defense Virginia banned earlier this year. Notifications from this discussion will be disabled. Etute, a linebacker with the Virginia Tech Hokies, is currently being held in the Montgomery County Jail without bond. According to reports, he had told police that Smith did not fight back. They met on Tinder, and Etute believed Smith was a woman named Angie. About a dozen states have adopted such laws. The prosecution showed jurors several pictures of Smith's lifeless, bloodied body. 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. Defense attorney Jimmy Turk told the jury that Etute did not intend to seriously injure or kill Smith and was overwhelmed with emotion and disbelief when he learned that Smith had died. An arraignment was held Thursday. It is unknown if Smith identified as transgender; his family has said he was a gay man. Field Yates of ESPN reported that Kansas City sent pick No. He said Etute and Smith had matched on the dating site Tinder, but Smiths Tinder profile indicated he was a woman named Angie. Etute had pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder for the blunt force trauma death in 2021 of Jerry Smith. He then pulled back his partner's sweatshirt hood, turned on his phones flashlight and discovered his partner had a mans facial hair. Detective Ryan Hite, the third witness, reiterated the facts stated by the previous two witnesses and delved into the timeline of events in more detail. Isimemen David Etute, 18, has been charged with second-degree murder. 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. To their family and co-workers, Angie was known as 40-year-old restaurant manager Jerry Paul Smith. The Blacksburg Police Department says 40-year-old Jerry Smith of Blacksburg, died in the incident. The cause of death was determined to be blunt force injuries to the head. football physiotherapist salary, mars square pluto composite, mark daigneault salary,
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