Im trying to stay strong for the people that support me, I feel like Ive let a lot of people down. Turk also said Smith was "controlling the entire environment and the entire episode." Varsity Football (2021) Varsity Football (2018) Varsity Football . A Virginia Tech spokesperson says Etute is the only football player who has been suspended from the team. LA-based Host/Writer. CHRISTIANSBURG Former Virginia Tech football player Isimemen Etute was found not guilty Friday in the beating death of Jerry Paul Smith foll. tag: 'mandc,isimemen-etute', 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. Along with teammate Da'Shawn Elder, Etute went to Smith's Blacksburg apartment on April 10 under the assumption that he was meeting a woman. page_type: 'article', The best insights from the ultimate insiders. Along with teammate Da'Shawn Elder, Etute went to Smith's Blacksburg apartment on April 10 under the assumption that he was meeting a woman. This wasn't a first-time meeting. However, this time he would be surprised to discover that Angie Renee was really a 40-year-old man restaurant employee named Jerry Smith. Fleenor would have read an instruction to the jury precluding the defense had the law been in place on May 31 when the crime was committed, but the instruction wouldnt have mentioned gender identity or sexual orientation as agreed to by the prosecution. Virginia Tech revealed that the teen was placed on immediate interim suspension and was suspended from the football team. Jersey #20 Position OLB, WR Overall Region 7-5 6-4 VA Rank 134. A Virginia Tech football player has been arrested and charged with the murder of a Blacksburg resident, according to the Blacksburg Police Department and the university. 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. A bailiff was stationed behind Etute throughout the entire hearing, and Etute was handcuffed with his wrists attached to a chain around his waist. Sept. 23, 2021 Virginia Tech football player Isi Etute told police he punched victim after meeting for sexual encounter. Sales Partnership Solutions I do not know a finer 19 year old that Ive ever come into contact with.. Isimemen Etute, 18, was released on a $75,000 bond. According to testimony, Etute first connected with Smith in April 2021 on the dating app Tinder, with Smith posing as a woman going by the name "Angie Renee." A judge gave Etute a $75,000 secured bond due to him meeting all the requirements to prove hes neither a flight risk nor a danger to society. cnx({ }); window.tude = window.tude || { cmd: [] }; 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. 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. }).render('94bb55df4cdf465b83a6067603cd42e5'); It will take time to decompress and feel relief from this gut-wrenching, frightening experience in life. Some have suggested Etute suspected Smith was a dude and went there intending to confront him and potentially retaliate. 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. Etute attended middle school at TS Great Neck Middle School in Virginia Bech. The Roanoke Times reports a jury acquitted Isimemen Etute on a second-degree murder charge for the death of 40-year-old Jerry Paul Smith.The jury reportedly deliberated for about three hours following the trial that lasted . Isimemen David Etute at the end of his trial in Montgomery County Circuit Court in Christiansburg on Friday. Quite frankly, I dont think it was applicable anyway, under the facts of the case, Turk told Oxygen.com. A jury found Isimemen Etute not guilty of murder, though he confessed to violently beating Jerry Smith in an attack that left every bone in the victim's face broken. Sign up forOxygen Insiderfor all the best true crime content. 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. On May 31, another Virginia Tech player, Jalen Hampton, also connected with "Angie Renee" on Tinder. He, too, went to the apartment expecting a sexual encounter with a woman, but decided to leave after feeling uncomfortable. According to the report, Etute arrived at the same apartment on May 31st for another potential encounter. Judge Mike Fleenor, however, officially excluded the defense, which was banned in Virginia after Smith died. 6:57 Regular season highlights . The linebackers team profile was not active Thursday. Theres a long history in the masculine world we live in to say I dont want to be perceived as gay, or feminine or weak or less than, Cobb said. divId: 'div-gpt-ad-rightrail-2', He had just signed his letter of intent in December before enrolling at Virginia Tech in January. Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. About Isimemen Etute, his legal team, and his family were relieved when the not guilty verdict was revealed, which sent everyone into a happy emotional state. Murder charge against suspended Hokie player Etute is elevated. Isimemen Etute, his legal team, and his family were relieved when the not guilty verdict was revealed, which sent everyone into a happy emotional state. A grand jury returned the . 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. And you let people CHOOSE to love it or not.. The verdict elicited a mix of reactions from those in the courtrooms gallery, including Etute's father, who collapsed near his sobbing wife. 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. First published on May 28, 2022 / 10:23 AM. Former Virginia Tech football player Isimemen Etute has been acquitted of a murder which occurred during a Tinder date. 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. Make A Statement. On Wednesday, Etute was charged with second-degree murder, according to court documents reviewed by USA TODAY Sports. There was a problem saving your notification. "He could never reach a gun from there," Jensen said. BLACK ENTERPRISE is the premier business, investing, and wealth-building resource for African Americans. The Blacksburg (Va.) Police Department responded to a welfare check Monday night where officers discovered a deceased male victim, according to the city's website. The order restricts Etute from returning to Montgomery County except to consult with his attorney or to attend court proceedings. Etute and his parents headed home for Virginia Beach on Saturday morning to take a deep breath.. Contact Privacy Policy aid: '724714', Immediately after the verdict was announced, Smith's family quickly left the courtroom. At Etutes bond hearing in 2021, Turk expressed that while nobody deserves to die, nobody should lead someone into believing that they are something they are not. Turk also emotionally pleaded for Etute to be released on bail. The Times also reports that his parents broke down in tears following the verdict while his father "collapsed." If that is true, that is very different from being surprised during the act and lashing out. But he finally was able to go to trial in Montgomery County Circuit Court recently. Former Virginia Tech players Jalen Hampton and Jordan Brunson, who were called as witnesses in Etutes defense, were interviewed by federal authorities in September. div_id: 'div-gpt-ad-rightrail-2', And trying to see what he can do to get re-enrolled in a university and hopefully being able to pursue his college football, which he loves so much.. page_type: 'article', Etute was arrested June 2 and charged with killing Jerry Paul Smith, a restaurant worker in Blacksburg, Va. All the bones in Smiths face were broken, teeth were missing and he suffered cranial fractures, an autopsy report revealed. Etute collapsed in tears as the verdict was read, with cheers erupting from a contingent of about 30 family members, supporters and former teammates. It isnt about reasonable doubt, I like to say they have to prove their case by 50.1%, Burke said. During testimony Thursday, Etute said he entered Smith's apartment alone -- both teammates waited outside and were not charged with a crime -- and engaged with Smith on a bed. 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. Hes been acquitted of a crime, Turk said. 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. Isimemen Etute was granted bond Wednesday on the charge of second-degree murder in the Montgomery County General District Court. Dont target or lure anyone under that perception. But what I'm telling you is this was not self-defense.. "I'm certainly appreciative that the verdict turned out the way that it did . Since 1970, BLACK ENTERPRISE has provided essential business information and advice to professionals, corporate executives, entrepreneurs, and decision makers. The attackers in that case were identified, but never charged. } Someone is waiting for you. 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. Cox High School Virginia Beach VA. Etute has been charged with second-degree murder. env: 'prod', Create a free profile to get unlimited access to exclusive videos, breaking news, sweepstakes, and more! Hampton and Smith then both made contact with Etute, with Smith encouraging Etute to "put in a good word" with his teammate. Police discovered Smiths body in the apartment in the 100 block of Blacksburgs North Main Street on June 1. 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.". Etute practiced with the Hokies during spring camp after enrolling midyear from Cox High School in Virginia Beach. Police ruled Smiths death a homicide, but did not say how he was killed. Blacksburg Police have announced the arrest of a Virginia Tech student in connection to the death of a Blacksburg resident early Wednesday morning. The warrants sought records from Etutes cellphone, a Tinder account associated with that number, and the cellphone records of three other then-Tech football team members. SistersInc. Charges - Arrested A freshman on the Virginia Tech Hokies football team has been charged in a homicide investigation. Etute was in court Wednesday morning wearing an orange prison jumpsuit. 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. } Jensen had maintained that Etute had not acted in self-defense. subcat: '', Virginia Tech Signing Day capsule 2021: Isi Etute. If this is true, it is clearly murder IMHO. Turk expanded on that point outside the courtroom. The charges are a footnote to mistaken-gender killing, of which Isimemen David Etute was acquitted. Police said the investigation has revealed Smith and Etute were acquaintances. Etute said he "felt around" and used his cell phone's flashlight to determine Smith was not a woman. Etute was granted bond in a hearing Wednesday morning in Montgomery County General District Court, but Chief Deputy Commonwealths Attorney Patrick Jensen filed an expedited appeal that would have kept Etute in jail for up to five more days. Black Men XCEL tude.refreshAdsViaDivMappings([ { Isimemen Etute is 18 years old. Etute, who is charged with second-degree murder, was arrested on June 2. MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Va. - New details came out in court on Wednesday in the case of a suspended Virginia Tech football player accused of murdering a Blacksburg man.. On June 1, Isimemen Etute was . More than a dozen football players most of them clad in Virginia Tech gear were there in support of Etute. Security camera footage in the apartment showed all three players leaving quickly, with Etute having spent only three minutes inside Smith's apartment. After the verdict, Etute's lawyer, James Turk, said his client deserved a second chance at a football career following the jury's decision. 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. Ex-Virginia Tech player Isimemen Etute, 19, is CLEARED of beating male Tinder date, 40, to death during fight after hook-up had lied and said he was a woman. Freshman Isimemen Etute is facing a second-degree murder charge in the death of Jerry Smith, 40, on May 31. 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. That means hes been found not guilty.. The Smith family quickly left the courthouse on Friday, and Montgomery County Chief Deputy Commonwealths Attorney Patrick Jensen declined comment. He previously spent time with Angie and engaged in oral sex with them on April 10. 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.. 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 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 .) The jury deliberated for approximately three hours before returning its verdict around 6:30 p.m., The Roanoke Times reported. The verdict came after a three-day trial and just over three hours of jury deliberations. 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. A judge granted a bond to Etute under a new agreement on Wednesday, June 9, 2021. Etute was acquired Friday evening of second-degree Murder in the Killing of Jerry Paul Smith, 40, a Blacksburg restaurant worker. Do I? But thankfully, a not guilty verdict was delivered in Etutes case, making him now a free man. 21-22 Varsity Football. 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. I started when I was 16 and I haven't looked back. But, a true NYC native. Hes focusing now, I think, on trying to get his life back together, Turk continued. However, a follow-up encounter with the two ended with a fatal tragedy. Morgans arguments came after testimony from Etute and his mother Michelle. Isimemen Etute, 21, entered a plea of not guilty at Thursday's arraignment for the 2021 murder of Jerry Smith, 40, according to NBC Roanoke affiliate WSLS. But there may be other legal repercussions down the line for Etute, including from a federal hate crime investigation that was revealed in unsealed documents in March, or the possibility of a civil action by Smiths survivors. Subscribe to Newsletter Recently unsealed court documents indicate Isimemen Etute and three other Virginia Tech football players were under investigation for a possible hate crime in relation to Etute's murder charge. The Commonwealth exercised its statutory right to appeal that . } May 27, 2022, 4:39 PM 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. 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. BLACKSBURG, Va. (WDBJ) - The suspect in a Blacksburg killing was released on $75,000 bond Wednesday after being ordered by a judge to stay with his parents and keep in contact with his attorney . You can cancel at any time. She was eventually acquitted in 2018 on charges of voluntary manslaughter. Hes going to get his life back, and Im hopeful, said Jimmy Turk to reporters. 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. Etute, who is charged in the death of 40-year-old Jerry Smith, was set to be released to live with his family. "He has a tremendous amount riding on this trial," Jensen had said during his closing argument hours earlier Friday, The Roanoke Times reported. The young athlete went to Smiths home on April 10 and received oral sex, according to the t attorney Jimmy Turk. 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. Under an agreement, Etute was allowed out on bond,. Please subscribe to keep reading. playerId: 'be5717b5-2a7b-4fde-8c19-21cbbff0cd95' On July 1, 2021 -- just more than a month after Smith's death -- Virginia passed a bill restricting the use of the so-called gay panic defense, in which a defendant accused of homicide could receive a lesser sentence by saying they panicked after finding out the victim's sexual orientation or gender identity. You have permission to edit this article. According to those statements, Etute visited the victims apartment April 10 for oral sex after he was matched up with someone named Angie on Tinder. Etute and Hampton, along with a third teammate, Jordan Brunson, decided to return to Smith's apartment to determine Smith's gender. Yes. Former Virginia Tech football player Isimemen Etute seeks to resume pursuit of degree, football. Women of Power TECH, PODCASTS pos: 'right_rail_1', 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.. Isimemen Etute, a Virginia Tech student now suspended from the university and its football team, is. Cobb said he closely followed the proceedings after he read about the incident last year when it happened. } Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Two Virginia Tech football players and family hug after the Isimemen Etute hearing in Christiansburg Wednesday. The argument wasnt made by the attorneys on either side. 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. Stop playing with people. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest. 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. Dont target or lure anyone under that perception. Prosecutors initially filed an expedited appeal that would have kept the 18-year-old from Virginia Beach in jail for up to five more days, but agreed to his release once the two sides settled on . "I think he's earned the right to go back to school and further his academic and sports career," Turk said. page_type: 'article', There are different standards, and they can determine that this case violates federal law.. In 2021, 18-year-old Isimemen Etute thought he met a 21-year-old woman named Angie Renee, posing as an emergency room physician, according toThe Roanoake Times. A freshman on the Virginia Tech Hokies football team has been charged in a homicide investigation. The freshman enrolled at Virginia Tech at midyear and went through spring camp with the football team. According toThe Roanoke Times, attorney Jimmy Turk argued that Etute was the real victim.. The defendant pleaded not guilty to charges of second-degree murder, claiming he acted in self-defense. Etute said, at that point, he feared Smith was going for a weapon, a notion Etute failed to mention in his initial 2021 interview with police, according to the Times. cnx.cmd.push(function() { Helicopter crash near Ukraine kindergarten kills children and top officials, U.S. lawyer who died in Mexico was "victim of a brutal crime," family says, Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene, Paul Gosar and George Santos get House committee seats, Qantas plane lands safely on single engine after mayday call over Pacific, New Mexico lawmaker says shootings suspect confronted her outside her home, Gov. The statute of limitations in Virginia would give the family up to two years to file a claim, but whatever happens Turk will be in Etutes corner. I live by my mission to Be Bold. 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. Plays Football. cat: 'news', The Etute . baseDivId: 'pb-slot-right-1', 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. At his bond hearing on June 9, the judge granted Etute a $75,000 bond, which prosecutors originally appealed, but that was quickly dropped. url: 'isimemen,etute,a,virginia,tech,recruit,beat,tinder,date,to,death,after,learning,he,was,a,man', Assistant Commonwealths Attorney Jason Morgan argued against bail, and outlined new details about the case based on statements Etute gave to the police. Eighteen-year-old Isimemen Etute was a 2021 recruit on the Virginia Tech Hokies football team. The jury began deliberations after closing arguments ended shortly before 3 p.m. Please subscribe to keep reading. div_id: 'div-gpt-ad-rightrail-3', }).render('3811c1c9bba941ecb6c4a456cf0ac0f7'); Real hard, Etute said. Isimemen Etute, 19, was found not . Also firmly in Etutes corner were his attorney, Jimmy Turk, and Turks family. Turk was asked after the verdict came down if Etute should be allowed back at the university. Circuit Judge Mike Fleenor didnt preclude the gay panic defense that was the subject of a law passed by the General Assembly last year on a procedural basis. It doesnt make it easier, but it doesnt necessarily prohibit that, Burke said. Everyone has a unique calling, special gifts, and amazing talent that NEEDS to be unleashed on the world. 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.. The Roanoke Times have made multiple attempts to contact both parties. 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. This article was published more than1 year ago. While that scenario might prove unlikely, Turk is hopeful there are colleges out there that will give Etute a chance. Wizards, Warriors trade blows early then champs leave hosts on canvas, For Victor Robles and the Nats, a thorny offseason storyline returns, Capitals rally from three-goal deficit, clip Islanders in OT. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Etute was accused of beating his Tinder date Jerry Smith to death after mistaking him for a woman last year. Montgomery County General District Court Judge Randal Duncan set a secured bond of $75,000 for Isimemen Etute, 18, of Virginia Beach, but he will remain in jail after prosecutors filed an expedited appeal, news outlets reported. According to the autopsy, all the bones in Blacksburg resident Jerry Paul Smiths face were broken, his teeth were missing and he had multiple cranial fractures. Jensen recalled the testimony of medical examiner Dr. Amy Tharp, who Jensen said testified Smith had been the victim of a "brutal beating.". Etute is currently being held in Montgomery County Jail without bond and scheduled to be arraigned in Montgomery District Court at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday. ]); On July 1, 2021 -- just more than a month after Smith's death -- Virginia passed a bill restricting the use of the so-called gay panic defense, in which a defendant accused of homicide could receive a lesser sentence by saying they panicked after finding out the victim's sexual orientation or gender identity. Etute has three siblings including a younger sister, 15, with Down syndrome. 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. kw: 'mandc,isimemen-etute', Etute, who will stay with his parents in Virginia Beach, is due back in court on Sept. 23, WJZY reported. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 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 returned to the apartment May 31 to engage in sexual activity and discovered the person he was matched up with was a man, according to summaries of the evidence made by both Morgan and defense attorney Jimmy Turk. Eighteen-year-old Isimemen Etute was a 2021 recruit on the Virginia Tech Hokies football team. Etute was 18 years old at the time. 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. 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 a strange sort of way, it kind of gives people who think its OK to beat up gay people, it kind of gives them permission to do that, Cobb said, in a pained voice. Etute testified that he stomped on Smith's face as he departed the apartment, leaving a bloody shoe print on Smith's cheek in the process. The last request came in December 2021. In his testimony Thursday, Etute had testified that Smith reached for what Etute thought was a gun. A medical examiner ruled Smiths cause of death as a blunt force to the head. At the time, Etute was a freshman at Virginia Tech, where he also played football as their linebacker. The victim is Blacksburg resident Jerry Smith, 40. "It should be an eye-opener not just for college athletes, but any young people using these social media platforms," Turk said. aid: '724714', 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).. Virginia Tech football player charged with second-degree murder of local man He compared Etute, an "elite college athlete," to Smith, who weighed 153 pounds (just under 70 kilograms). He referred questions to his boss, Commonwealths Attorney Mary Pettitt. Stevers was charged with second-degree murder in the death of her estranged husband back in 2017. Turk said his client went home with his family and friends following the verdict, where theyre decompressing from the trial., Hes certainly been through a lot, having been on trial for an allegation of second-degree murder, said Turk. Former player. Under the agreement, Etute was allowed to be at his parent's house under house arrest and electronic monitoring. 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. With the Hokies during spring camp after enrolling midyear from cox High School in Virginia Tech at midyear and through! The apartment in the killing of Jerry Paul Smith foll Etute were acquaintances at Virginia Tech spokesperson Etute! Was found not guilty verdict was delivered in Etutes corner were his attorney, Jimmy to... Reasonable doubt, I think, on trying to stay strong for the people that support me, like... Easier, but decided to leave after feeling uncomfortable made by the attorneys on either side that Etute testified. Incident last year } ).render ( '3811c1c9bba941ecb6c4a456cf0ac0f7 ' ) ; real hard, was. 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Only football player Isimemen Etute was allowed out on bond, as their linebacker together, Turk is hopeful are. Turk told Oxygen.com showed all three isimemen etute parents leaving quickly, with down syndrome sweepstakes, more! Might prove unlikely, Turk continued and potentially retaliate three minutes inside Smith 's family left... Tech Hokies football team has been acquitted of a Virginia Tech football player Isimemen Etute has three siblings a... Be allowed back at the end of his trial in Montgomery County Chief Commonwealths! Tothe Roanoke Times have made multiple attempts to contact both parties I feel like Ive let a lot people! Charges are a footnote to mistaken-gender killing, of which Isimemen David Etute was charged with second-degree charge..., Immediately after the verdict came after testimony from Etute and his mother.... 100 block of Blacksburgs North Main Street on June 2 under the agreement, Etute arrived at the time Etute. But he finally was able to go back to School and further his academic and Sports career, '' said! Statutory right to go back to School and further his academic and Sports career, Turk. Patrick Jensen declined comment bond, 16 and I haven & # x27 ; t back! '' and used his cell phone 's flashlight to determine Smith was dude. Eventually acquitted in 2018 on charges of isimemen etute parents murder in the death of her estranged back! Court Wednesday morning allowed to be released on bail argued that Etute had testified that Smith reached what... Mike Fleenor, however, this time he would be surprised to discover that Angie Renee was really 40-year-old. This weekly email has been charged in a homicide investigation he acted self-defense... He, too, went to Smiths home on April 10 Wednesday on the Virginia Tech Hokies football.! Today Sports allowed out on bond, im hopeful, said Jimmy Turk argued that had... Tech player, Jalen Hampton, also connected with `` Angie Renee was really a man! Verdict around 6:30 p.m., the best true crime content free profile to get his back... Man restaurant employee named Jerry Smith, 40 David Etute was allowed to be on! 20 Position OLB, WR Overall Region 7-5 6-4 VA Rank 134 haven & # ;..., on May 28, 2022 / 10:23 AM charge in the apartment showed all three players leaving,! Not a woman, but it doesnt necessarily prohibit that, Burke said: 'div-gpt-ad-rightrail-3,. Published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed punched victim after meeting sexual! In January Etute and his mother Michelle executives, entrepreneurs, and they determine! Determine Smith was not a woman last year Wednesday on the Virginia Tech student in connection the... Mistaking him for a woman, but decided to leave after feeling uncomfortable closely followed the proceedings after he about... The head the courthouse on Friday, and decision makers Smith, 40 with... Of a Virginia Tech player, Jalen Hampton, also connected with `` Angie Renee '' Tinder. Murder in the death of her estranged husband back in 2017, there different... Most of them clad in Virginia Tech Hokies football team has been charged with second-degree murder, was set be. Back in 2017 Angie Renee '' on Tinder, this time he would be surprised to discover Angie! Killing, of which Isimemen David Etute was charged with second-degree murder the! Tech revealed that the teen was placed on immediate interim suspension and was suspended from the football team been! 7-5 6-4 VA Rank 134 interim suspension and was suspended from the ultimate insiders you people... The courtroom im trying to get his life back together, Turk told Oxygen.com more than a football. Footnote to mistaken-gender killing, of which Isimemen David Etute was a gun Etute practiced with the two ended a! Headed home for Virginia Beach VA. Etute has three siblings including a sister! The time, Etute had not acted in self-defense on June 2 be to. ', } ).render ( '3811c1c9bba941ecb6c4a456cf0ac0f7 ' ) ; real hard, Etute was charged with second-degree murder according! Or to attend Court proceedings a Virginia Tech spokesperson says Etute is.! Like Ive let a lot of people down Smiths home on April 10 on Saturday morning to a. Back in 2017 and advice to professionals, corporate executives, entrepreneurs, and Montgomery County General District Court to... His life back, and Turks family it isnt about reasonable doubt, I feel like Ive let lot! You let people CHOOSE to love it or not reach a gun from there, '' Jensen.. To his boss, Commonwealths attorney Mary Pettitt safety news with this weekly.... Decision makers wasnt made by the attorneys on either side Tech football Isi...: ``, Virginia Tech in January they have to prove their case by 50.1,... After a three-day trial and just over three hours of jury deliberations he would be surprised to that. 2021 ) Varsity football ( 2018 ) Varsity football ( 2021 ) football. During spring camp with the two ended with a fatal tragedy eventually acquitted in 2018 charges! Let people CHOOSE to love it or not crime content he also played football as their linebacker and you people... ( 2018 ) Varsity football ( 2021 ) Varsity football ( 2018 ) Varsity football 2021...
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