Dean of Students Officeat 540-231-3787. He cant introduce expert testimony about the so-called trans panic.. 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. Of all the unsung beauties of the American interstate system, the reading material might be among the best signs passing to the left and right, living in a bored passengers eye just long enough to pique their interest. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, Jerry Paul Smith of Blacksburg, Virginia - Kendall Funeral Home If juries accepted it, the judge would instruct them to take it into consideration when deciding the defendants sentence. Etute is charged with second-degree murder. Jerry was a restaurant manager and A Virginia Tech spokesperson says Etute is the only football player who has been suspended from the team. Etute then claimed he got up, stood next to the bed and asked Smith "Why didnt you tell me?" According to Hite, Etute and Smith met up for the first time on April 10, 2021. The Kansas City Chiefs began Day Three of the 2023 NFL Draft with pick No. 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. Jerry Paul Smith of Blacksburg, Virginia - Kendall Funeral Home Theyll also have to tell them not to let that argument sway their sentencing decision. 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. And so, simply put, blaming the victim is not going to lead to a reduction in sentence.. Honestly, I was destroyed, Etute stated. Jerry Paul Smith of Blacksburg, Va., was beaten to death May 31. He returned to Smith's apartment May 31, realized Smith was a man, and flew into a rage. Lawyers have used the plea eight times since 1986 and it can be successful. Etute had entered Virginia Tech at midterm and participated in training with the football team. UPDATE 6 p.m.: WFXR News has learned that Isimemen Etute has been scheduled for a hearing in Montgomery County District Court on Thursday. They met on Tinder, and Etute believed Smith was a woman named Angie. In that panic, their client assaulted or killed the victim. The second motion relates to the gay panic defense statutes that were passed by the General Assembly and went into effect in July 2021. If it was a man, I was just going to run out, Etute testified. 5 Beds 1 Baths 1765 sqft. "Etute told the police he punched Smith five times in the face and continued punching the victim when they hit the ground and 'stomped' on them," the Times reports. Written By Smith was using the photo and identity of a 28-year-old woman named Angie Renee. "The facts for the most part in this case are not contested," prosecutor Patrick Jensen said in his closing statement, the paper reports. Twitter House GOP Passes Bill That Would Take Food and Healthcare From Virginia Families, Politics Jury trial scheduled in Tinder-related Blacksburg murder involving MATT GENTRY, The Roanoke. Turk said, "Who is the real victim here? Former Virginia Tech LB Isimemen Etute found not guilty on murder Thanks to our sponsors Become a Sponsor. What did Isimemen Etute do? Case explored as former footballer is (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.). 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. The prosecution contends statutes apply at the time of trial not the date of the alleged criminal offense. The judge called upon three detectives as witnesses to share details of the encounter between Etute and Smith. Its a legal defense Virginia banned earlier this year. 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. This reminds me very much of the rape shield act, where a woman was asked what her sexual history was as part of the defense argument. BestReviews is reader-supported and may earn an affiliate commission. Etutes defense team filed two motions on Thursday. TikTokWant more news, top stories, and videos? An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Isimemen David Etute, 18, has been charged with second-degree murder. Etute returned to Smith's home May 31, 2021, with the intention of determining Smith's gender. Apartment in Saint-grve, Auvergne-Rhne-Alpes, France. New THC Laws to Take Effect in Virginia July 1, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion The suspension also includes his standing with the Virginia Tech football team. "That's not what led to the death. Jerry was a restaurant manager and known as a polite young man throughout his life. 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. But Virginia's law didn't go into effect until July 1 of last year, so Judge Mike Fleenor did not advise the jury about it -- granting a request from the defense team. We'd love to hear eyewitness With the ban, defendants will still be able to tell their side of the story. Check out never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more! Who was more likely to be the aggressor? Crime News is your destination for true crime stories from around the world, breaking crime news, and information about Oxygen's original true crime shows and documentaries. "Don't target or lure anyone under that perception. You have permission to edit this article. La commune de Saint-Martin-le-Vinoux est une commune rhnalpine de taille moyenne habite par 5778 rsidents Saint-Martiniers. John Wayne Smith also took the stand Wednesday, describing how he found Jerry Paul Smiths body after stopping to check on his brother at his apartment. MATT GENTRY, The Roanoke. Jerry Paul Smith is listed as an Agent with Vivid Affairs LLC in Virginia. 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SaharaReporters.com is an outstanding, groundbreaking news website that encourages citizen journalists to report ongoing corruption and government malfeasance in Africa. Tharp said there was no evidence that Smith fought back. Your 24/7 streaming source for equality news and lifestyle trends. Check out the all NEW Advocate Channel! Blacksburg police found Jerry Paul Smith dead in his North Main Street apartment on June 1. New Group Aims To Refocus School Boards On Students, Real Education Policy, House GOP Passes Bill That Would Take Food and Healthcare From Virginia Families, Three Ways Youngkin Has Undermined Democracy In Virginia (Just This Year). Check out the all NEW Advocate Channel! The investigation revealed that Smith and Isimemen Etute who was charged with second degree murder in connection with Smiths death were acquaintances. The 18-year-old is charged with second-degree murder. Smith's family wore shirts with Jerry's face on them. That means this bill will be in effect, in full effect, by the time of the trial. And what was the intent of the panic defense ban, to stop this from being used. "Nobody deserves to die, but I don't mind saying, don't pretend you are something that you are not," Etute's attorney, James Turk, told reporters outside of court on Wednesday. He said Etute and Smith had matched on the dating site Tinder, but Smiths Tinder profile indicated he was a woman named Angie. Police found Smith in his apartment during a welfare check. And by the time Etutes case goes to trial, the court will no longer accept it. A knife was found sandwiched between the boxspring and mattress on the side of the bed where Smith was found. His teeth had also been knocked out. Nobody deserves to die, but I dont mind saying, dont pretend you are something that you are not. Were watching the victim being put on trial, said State Sen. Jennifer Boysko (D-Fairfax) during the Feb. 25 vote. Once Etute shined his phones flashlight on Smiths face which revealed facial hair and his identity as a man, Etute punched Smith in the face five times and stomped on his head with his foot before leaving. Don't knowingly lie about anyone Isimemen David Etute, 18, has been charged with second-degree murder. Be sure to follow But defense attorney Jimmy Turk blamed Smith, calling him a "deceitful and dishonest man" who "defrauded young men for his own sexual gratification." Search salaries of employees from Virginia Tech and other universities dating back to 2007. Blacksburg Police continues to lead this ongoing investigation, and the university will assist law enforcement agencies working the case in any way it can. VIVID AFFAIRS LLC in Blacksburg, VA | Company Info & Reviews - Bizapedia Jury: Suspect not guilty in alleged sex-related Blacksburg killing - WDBJ 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. The investigation revealed that Smith and Isimemen Etute who was charged with second degree murder in connection with Smith's death were acquaintances. Create a free profile to get unlimited access to exclusive videos, breaking news, sweepstakes, and more! The trial. 23 Sesame Street 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. Etute, a Virginia Tech student and athlete, has been placed on interim suspension, effective immediately. In addition, Etute, a member of the football team, has been suspended from the team, effective immediately. Luxury Duplex Homes for Sale in Saint grve, Auvergne Rhne Alpes, France. Isimemen Etute stands at his preliminary hearing at Montgomery County Court House, Sept. 24, 2021. This bill goes into effect July 1. All rights reserved. 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. I felt violated, Etute testified, according to the Times. We've blurred their faces until police confirm their. 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. The preliminary hearing in Etutes case isnt happening until September 23. Isimemen Etute, now 19 years old, connected with 40-year old Jerry Paul Smith on the dating app Tinder. Facebook gives people the. Oxygen Insider is your all-access pass to never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more! Etute was emotionally distraught and started crying upon hearing the news of Smiths death. The cause of death was determined to be blunt force injuries to the head. View the profiles of people named Jerry Paul Smith. Political History, Black Youth Leader Says He Was Mistakenly Detained While Naked, New Jersey Librarian Files Federal Complaint After Being Fired for 'Gay Lifestyle'. To their family and co-workers, Angie was known as 40-year-old restaurant manager Jerry Paul Smith. Youngkin Diversity Chief Dismisses Diversity Efforts, Education By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Private Policy and Terms of Use. Link between Virginia Tech football player suspect and restaurant Threats of harming another Advocate on your favorite social platforms!Facebook Facing Growing Extremism in Denying Care to Transgender People: Report, The Rich Queer History of American Drag Queens, Colorados Gay Governor Signs Gun Control Bills Into Law in Wake of Club Q Shooting, Montana Governor Signs Gender-Affirming Care Ban Despite Nonbinary Son's Pleas.