The Commonwealths Attorney says Etute punched Smith five times in the head, making Smith fall, at which point Etute stepped on Smiths head. 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No one has identified Smith as transgender; his family has said he was a gay man. 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. 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. The judge called upon three detectives as witnesses to share details of the encounter between Etute and Smith. Officers say that they do not believe there is an ongoing threat to the public. He is now suspended from both the team and the university. Jerry was a restaurant manager and known as a polite young man throughout his life. By then, the panic defense will be illegal in Virginia. Notifications from this discussion will be disabled. Dr. Amy Marie Tharp, of the Roanoke Medical Examiners office, testified Smith died of blunt force trauma, that nearly all of their facial bones were broken and that they had bleeding and swelling of the brain. Smith performed oral sex on Etute when they hooked up April 10, 2021, with Etute still believing Smith was a woman. Jerry was a restaurant manager and known as a polite young man throughout his life. Instagram They met on Tinder, and Etute believed Smith was a woman named Angie. Information from the Blacksburg Police Department may be found at theTown of Blacksburg website. 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. Get an all-access pass to never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more! Etute is currently being held at the Montgomery County Jail without bond. Error! 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. On this night, however, Etute learned that Angie also went by another name. Advocate on your favorite social platforms!Facebook MATT GENTRY, The Roanoke. A graduate of VCU, Megan previously worked as a reporter for the Rappahannock Record. Blacksburg police found Jerry Paul Smith dead in his North Main Street apartment on June 1. Even though Etute committed the murder before July, the bills sponsor says the important thing is the timing of the trial. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Blacksburg Police continues to lead this ongoing investigation, and the university will assist law enforcement agencies working the case in any way it can. TikTokWant more news, top stories, and videos? The law should be disregarded, Etutes lawyers argued, because it didnt go into effect until July 1, about a month after the incident. racist or sexually-oriented language. A Nigerian-American, Ismemen David Etute, has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder for beating his Tinder date to death after discovering the woman named 'Angie' he's had oral sex with was a man. Check out these great suggestions. In his opening statements on Wednesday, Defense attorney Jimmy Turk said his client beat Smith because it was the only thing reasonably could do to ensure he got out of Jerry Smiths apartment alive.. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Private Policy and Terms of Use. Jerry Paul Smith, 40 known as Gigi by his nephews of Blacksburg, VA departed this life, June 1, 2021, at his home. The company's principal address is 110 Draper Rd Nw, Blacksburg, VA 24060-7402. Share with Us. The company is a Virginia Domestic Limited-Liability Company, which was filed on October 22, 2020. He realized Smith was a man and became enraged. 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 preliminary hearing in Etutes case isnt happening until September 23. Saying identification could pose a risk of retaliatory physical and mental harm to the witness.. Isimemen David Etute, 18, has been charged with second-degree murder. 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. Search salaries of employees from Virginia Tech and other universities dating back to 2007. Virginias No. MATT GENTRY, The Roanoke. 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. Sort: new. His teeth had also been knocked out. "That's not what led to the death. 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. Blacksburg police discovered Smith's body on June 1 in his apartment. And by the time Etutes case goes to trial, the court will no longer accept it. So why is it showing up in a Blacksburg murder case? Success! Such defenses claim that the victim's gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation is a provocation to violence. 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. The prosecution contends statutes apply at the time of trial not the date of the alleged criminal offense. Apartment in Saint-grve, Auvergne-Rhne-Alpes, France. With the ban, defendants will still be able to tell their side of the story. Instagram 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. Born May 18, 1981, in Montgomery County, VA, he was the son of the late Jerry Wayne Smith and Sandra Cumbee Smith. Drugs You have permission to edit this article. La mairie de Saint-Martin-le-Vinoux est situe au sud-est de la France dans le dpartement Isre l'adresse postale : La mairie est gre par Monsieur le maire Sylvain LAVAL qui a pris ses fonctions de maire le 18/5/2020 suite aux lections municipales 2020. 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. Copyright 2022 WDBJ. The victim, he testified, partially undressed and assumed a position on all fours on the bed, exposing the buttocks. Roem and Coughlin say judges are responsible for enforcing Virginias ban on the panic defense. each comment to let us know of abusive posts. The first asks that one of the witnesses is allowed to remain anonymous. Etute appeared in Montgomery County General District Court in Christiansburg Wednesday. Born May 18, 1981 in Montgomery County, VA, he was the son of the late Jerry Wayne Smith and Sandra Cumbee Smith. 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. Born May 18, 1981 in Montgomery County, VA, he was the son of the late Jerry Wayne Smith and Sandra Cumbee Smith. The suspect, Isi Etute, appeared in court virtually Thursday from the Montgomery County Jail. Following a sexual encounter at Smith's apartment in Blacksburg, Etute discovered Smith was not an anatomical woman and proceeded to punch them multiple times. Their body was discovered the next day. Theyll also have to tell them not to let that argument sway their sentencing decision. Subscribe today! Etute believed that the person he had hooked up with was a woman named Angie. To their family and co-workers, Angie was known as 40-year-old restaurant manager Jerry Paul Smith. He later beat Smith to death. 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. The 18-year-old is charged with second-degree murder. The company has 1 contact on record. As the courtroom stood, the families of both the defendant and victim entered and were seated on opposite sides of the aisle. Its a legal defense Virginia banned earlier this year. Chance of rain 60%.. Cloudy with occasional rain showers. The court has set September 23, 2021 as the date for Etute's preliminary hearing on the murder charge. New Group Aims To Refocus School Boards On Students, Real Education Policy, Economy Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. In that panic, their client assaulted or killed the victim. This wasnt a first-time meeting. . Low 41F. Heres where the panic defense comes in. The second witness was Detective Mike Czernicki, who conducted part of the investigation at the scene of the crime and attended the victims autopsy. "Don't target or lure anyone under that perception. Advocate on your favorite social platforms!Facebook New THC Laws to Take Effect in Virginia July 1, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Born May 18, 1981 in Montgomery County, VA, he was the son of the late Jerry Wayne Smith and Sandra Cumbee Smith. The Blacksburg Police Department says 40-year-old Jerry Smith of Blacksburg, died in the incident. And so, simply put, blaming the victim is not going to lead to a reduction in sentence.. 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. Blacksburg Police have announced the arrest of a Virginia Tech student in connection to the death of a Blacksburg resident early Wednesday morning. Your 24/7 streaming source for equality news and lifestyle trends. 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. TikTokWant more news, top stories, and videos? Your 24/7 streaming source for equality news and lifestyle trends. Later, the Nigerian-American, a linebacker at the basketball club Virginia tech, discovered the truth when they met again on May 31, 2021, at Smith's apartment. As Smith fell to the ground, Etute punched him five more times before stomping on him till he died. Jerry Paul Smith is listed as an Agent with Vivid Affairs LLC in Virginia. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Experts say it's already too late to use the panic defense, Glenn Youngkin and the 'Election Integrity' Myth in Virginia. Honestly, I was destroyed, Etute stated. Isimemen David Etute, 18, has been charged with second-degree murder. A motions hearing will be held on May 23 at 2 p.m. for a judge to decide how the motions will move forward. Jurors had to stand from the panel to watch the demonstration. Despite having made this request and made multiple references to Smith's "dishonest" ways, Turk denied that his defense of Etute amounted to gay or trans "panic." 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. 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. According to the Montgomery County Circuit Court clerk's office, a jury trial has been set for May 2022. 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. The city remained a mostly rural area, until the 19th century, when it saw its first industrial . This bill goes into effect July 1. 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. Smith's family wore shirts with Jerry's face on them. "The facts for the most part in this case are not contested," prosecutor Patrick Jensen said in his closing statement, the paper reports. 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. 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. Jurors will be tasked with deciding whether or not the defendant acted in self-defense, as he doesn't deny killing Smith. Etutes lawyers also asked the court to disregard a 2021 Virginia law banning the so-called gay panic defense. The contact is Jerry Paul Smith from Blacksburg VA. After Smith fell, Etute told police he stomped on their face and body. To their family and co-workers, Angie was known as 40-year-old restaurant manager Jerry Paul Smith. 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. (Dpartement Isre, Rgion Auvergne-Rhne-Alpes) Jerry was a restaurant manager and known as a polite young man throughout his life. Isimemen Etute says he thought Jerry Paul Smith was a woman when they met for sex. Oxygen Insider is your all-access pass to never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more! Three Ways Youngkin Has Undermined Democracy In Virginia (Just This Year), Get exclusive Virginia stories & news right in your inbox. Jensen commented on this by saying the defendant "has a motive for changing what he said. MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Va. (WFXR) On the third day of the murder trial for Isimemen Etute the former Virginia Tech football player charged in connection with the death of Jerry Paul Smith last year the defense rested their case, which means two hours of closing arguments are set to begin Friday afternoon. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism ruled Isi Etute is not guilty in the killing in 2021 of Jerry Smith in Blacksburg. They said Smiths tactics amounted to sexual battery under Virginia law. Be Nice. Born May 18, 1981 in Montgomery County, VA, he was the son of the late Jerry. 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. This was a wicked sexual ruse.". Judge Mike Fleenor denied the request on Monday. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. Thats just wrong, Turk said. Nobody deserves to die, but I dont mind saying, dont pretend you are something that you are not. accounts, the history behind an article. 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. Former Virginia Tech football player Isimemen David Etute describes an altercation during his murder trial in Montgomery County Circuit Court in Christiansburg, Va., Thursday, May 26 2022. person will not be tolerated. Etute told Angie to lay over the side of the bed to feel around and determine if she was a woman. Be sure to follow Isimemen Etute, now 19 years old, connected with 40-year old Jerry Paul Smith on the dating app Tinder. Isimemen Etute, 19, stands accused of the 2021 murder of Jerry Paul Smith, 40, who Etute met under the name Angie." Judge Mike Fleenor has yet to rule on the defenses motion but said he would do so before jury deliberations. 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. 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. BLACKSBURG, Va. (WFXR) Police in Blacksburg have charged a man with murder in connection with a Tuesday night homicide. The investigation revealed that Smith and Isimemen Etute who was charged with second degree murder in connection with Smiths death were acquaintances. 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. The statutes state in part that a persons actual or perceived sex, gender, gender identity or sexual orientation is not in and of itself, or together with an oral solicitation, a defense to any charge of capital murder, first degree murder, second degree murder or voluntary manslaughter. Left. He began beating Smith. 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(WDBJ) - The suspect in a 2021 killing in Blacksburg has pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder. I was just shocked and in disbelief that someone had tricked me and lied to me.. BestReviews is reader-supported and may earn an affiliate commission. Political History, Black Youth Leader Says He Was Mistakenly Detained While Naked, New Jersey Librarian Files Federal Complaint After Being Fired for 'Gay Lifestyle'. If you're interested in submitting a Letter to the Editor, click here. 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. Sign up forOxygen Insiderfor all the best true crime content. Virginia passed a law last year banning the use of "gay panic" or "trans panic" defenses in homicide or assault cases. According to reports, he had told police that Smith did not fight back. Details. 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). The student arrested is Isimemen Etute of Virginia Beach, Virginia, a freshman majoring in human development. Etute also has a July 22 hearing in Radford, where he faces driving charges that stem from Memorial Day: he was driving a 2019 BMW SUV and was pulled over at 4 p.m. for reckless driving and failing to obey a stop sign according to court records. Etute was denied bail. Tax Code Causes Problems For LGBTQ Couples, New THC Laws to Take Effect in Virginia July 1, Sick Of Divisive Attacks On Schools? One of the focal points of the case was the defenses pretrial motion to use a Gay/Trans Panic Defense, which they filed earlier this month. 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. Etute, a linebacker with the Virginia Tech Hokies, is currently being held in the Montgomery County Jail without bond.

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