jerry paul smith blacksburg

racist or sexually-oriented language. Born May 18, 1981 in Montgomery County, VA, he was the son of the late Jerry Wayne Smith and Sandra Cumbee Smith. 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. According to Hite, Etute and Smith met up for the first time on April 10, 2021. It is unknown if Smith identified as transgender; his family has said he was a gay man. Jerry Paul Smith. The prosecution showed jurors several pictures of Smith's lifeless, bloodied body. Isimemen David Etute, 18, has been charged with second-degree murder. So why is it showing up in a Blacksburg murder case? But defense attorney Jimmy Turk blamed Smith, calling him a "deceitful and dishonest man" who "defrauded young men for his own sexual gratification." By then, the panic defense will be illegal in Virginia. 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. Those in the Virginia Tech community who need assistance or counseling support may contact: Cook Counseling Centerat 540-231-6557. Copyright 2022 WDBJ. 134 and a 2024 fifth-round pick to Minneso. It isn't clear from media reports why Etute thought Smith was a woman during the initial encounter. When voting for the bill in February, House members said it puts the victim on trial, rather than the suspect. . Etute wiped the blood off the bottom of his shoes before meeting his two friends who were waiting outside Smiths apartment for Etute. 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 . Dr. Amy Marie Tharp, of the Roanoke Medical Examiner's office . BLACKSBURG, Va. (WDBJ) - Surveillance video shows three people leaving quickly from Jerry Smith 's Blacksburg apartment May 31. All rights reserved. Contact. 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. A jury trial is scheduled to begin May 25 at 9 a.m. Smith, 40, was found dead in his apartment June 1. That has been an issue here in Virginia previously. He did not attempt to check in on Smith the next day or call 911. Let us know what's going on! The preliminary hearing in Etutes case isnt happening until September 23. If juries accepted it, the judge would instruct them to take it into consideration when deciding the defendants sentence. 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. ruled Isi Etute is not guilty in the killing in 2021 of Jerry Smith in Blacksburg. 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After being prodded by friends in the prior weeks about whether Angie was actually a woman, Etute admitted he went back to the apartment with twofriends, who waited outside in the hallway of Smith's apartment complex. 5 Beds 1 Baths 1765 sqft. The whole month leading up to that fateful day was filled with soccer games and related festivities but after the final, it was over. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. 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. The following days, Etute cut off all communication with Smith, suspicious if Angie really was a woman. The Blacksburg Police Department says 40-year-old Jerry Smith of Blacksburg, died in the incident. 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. 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. Mairie Saint-Martin-le-Vinoux (38950-Auvergne-Rhne-Alpes), adresse Honestly, I was destroyed, Etute stated. MATT GENTRY, The Roanoke. 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. Judge Mike Fleenor has yet to rule on the defenses motion but said he would do so before jury deliberations. Isimemen David Etute, 18, has been charged with second-degree murder. Saint-Martin-d'Hres - Wikipedia Isimemen Etute says he thought Jerry Paul Smith was a woman when they met for sex. New THC Laws to Take Effect in Virginia July 1, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion 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. Virginia passed a law last year banning the use of "gay panic" or "trans panic" defenses in homicide or assault cases. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. VPM News Morning Monitor enlightens and entertains readers weekdays with news you should care about. Etute returned to Smith's home May 31, 2021, with the intention of determining Smith's gender. 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. Officers say that they do not believe there is an ongoing threat to the public. That means this bill will be in effect, in full effect, by the time of the trial. New Group Aims To Refocus School Boards On Students, Real Education Policy, Economy His court-appointed attorney, Naomi Huntington, has been replaced by Jimmy Turk, who has represented other Hokie athletes in criminal matters. Fans wo. 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. The company is a Virginia Domestic Limited-Liability Company, which was filed on October 22, 2020. Thats illegal to do [now]. that is degrading to another person. 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 law of evidence at the time of the trial is what applies, not at the time of the offense, said Del. The attorneys then reached a compromise under which Etute was released on a secured $75,000 bond and will be under house arrest and electronic monitoring, according to the Times. Etute told Angie to lay over the side of the bed to feel around and determine if she was a woman. He then pulled back his partner's sweatshirt hood, turned on his phones flashlight and discovered his partner had a mans facial hair. Outside the courthouse, members of Smiths family gathered, some of whom were wearing T-shirts with Smiths face on them and text that read #Justice4JerryPaul. Doris May, Smiths aunt, claimed that Smith wouldnt hurt a flea and that he was always open about being gay. This fact was reiterated by another one of Smiths family members, Rebecca Snavely, who was appalled that Smiths 13-year-old nephew and Smiths brother were the first to find Smith after his death. After a three-day trial in the Montogomery County Circuit Court, Isimemen Etute, 19, a former football player, was found not guilty of second-degree murder in the death of Jerry Smith, 40, of. Police found Smith in his apartment during a welfare check. Etute has been charged with second-degree murder. Don't Threaten. Luxury duplex homes for sale in Saint-grve, Auvergne-Rhne-Alpes "The facts for the most part in this case are not contested," prosecutor Patrick Jensen said in his closing statement, the paper reports. The commune was created around 1100 where the church of St. Martin was located. Join Facebook to connect with Jerry Paul Smith and others you may know. 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. 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. Born May 18, 1981 in Montgomery County, VA, he was the son of the late Jerry Wayne Smith and Sandra Cumbee Smith. Check out these great suggestions. MATT GENTRY, The Roanoke. No one has identified Smith as transgender; his family has said he was a gay man. The investigation revealed that Smith and Isimemen Etute who was charged with second degree murder in connection with Smith's death were acquaintances. Courtesy of Matt Gentry from the Roanoke Times, Suspended Virginia Tech football player appears in court on second-degree murder charge. Chance of rain 60%. Looking for something special to get your mom for Mothers Day? Advocate on your favorite social platforms!Facebook The suspect, Isi Etute, appeared in court virtually Thursday from the Montgomery County Jail. La commune de Saint-Martin-le-Vinoux est une commune rhnalpine de taille moyenne habite par 5778 rsidents Saint-Martiniers. When confronted by police, Etute was compliant and even said he knew what they wanted to talk about. Keep it Clean. 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. 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. Don't knowingly lie about anyone This spring, Le Creuset has introduced an exciting new shade thats already selling fast: shallot, a soft lavender with pink and slight gray undertones. He began beating Smith. 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. TikTokWant more news, top stories, and videos? Oxygen Insider is your all-access pass to never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more! The law should be disregarded, Etutes lawyers argued, because it didnt go into effect until July 1, about a month after the incident. The trial is expected to continue through Thursday. Left. Such defenses claim that the victim's gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation is a provocation to violence. Blacksburg police found Jerry Paul Smith dead in his North Main Street apartment on June 1. You have permission to edit this article. Etutes family exited out the back of the courthouse and declined to comment. If it was a man, I was just going to run out, Etute testified. According to Detective Heather Rose-Semple, the first witness, 365 Squires Student Center,Blacksburg,VA, Take Back the Night protestors demand a safer, more accountable campus, Virginia Tech Board of Visitors votes to raise tuition and fees, Alleged Melody Hookah Lounge shooter set to face jury trial, Muslim Student Association works to create more prayer spaces on campus, April marks Virginia Techs commemoration of APIDA voices, The Chiefs trade up to select Virginia Tech's Chamarri Conner, Hokies baseball drop both games of North Carolina double-header, Hokies defeat Dukes in a dramatic midweek game, Mens golf closes out season with last-place finish at ACC Championship, I-81 South: Historical towns of Washington County, Hokies supporting Hokies: Virginia Tech 2023 Day of Remembrance, Give the Womens World Cup the respect it deserves, Live music can enhance your college experience. Your 24/7 streaming source for equality news and lifestyle trends. Jerry Paul Smith, 40 known as Gigi by his nephews of Blacksburg, VA departed this life, June 1, 2021, at his home. Copyright 2021 WDBJ. But thats exactly the argument that the bill Northam signed in March outlawed. 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. $540,805. 804.320.1301. Suspended Virginia Tech football player appears in court on second 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. Blacksburg police found Jerry Paul Smith dead in his North Main Street apartment on June 1. Smith was found dead the next day, having sustained multiple blunt force traumas to his face and head. 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. 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. He previously spent time with Angie and engaged in oral sex with them on April 10. When Knowing Matters Jerry - RegionalObituaries.com | Facebook Judge Mike Fleenor denied the request on Monday. 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. Gay/Trans 'Panic' Defense Leads to Accused Killer's Acquittal A Montgomery County judge certified on Sept. 23 a charge of second-degree murder of Blacksburg resident Jerry Paul Smith against Isimemen David Etute, suspended Virginia Tech football player. Be Nice. Turk said, "Who is the real victim here? An arraignment was held Thursday. 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. The investigation revealed that Smith and Isimemen Etute who was charged with second degree murder in connection with Smiths death were acquaintances. . "Don't target or lure anyone under that perception. A Virginia Tech spokesperson says Etute is the only football player who has been suspended from the team. 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. 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. 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. Sick Of Divisive Attacks On Schools? House GOP Passes Bill That Would Take Food and Healthcare From Virginia Families, Politics Check out the all NEW Advocate Channel! (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, a linebacker with the Virginia Tech Hokies, is currently being held in the Montgomery County Jail without bond. Success! Apartment in Saint-grve, Auvergne-Rhne-Alpes, France. In the case of a felony arrest, the university has the authority to place a student on immediate interim suspension. transgender and non-conforming people killed in 2021. $538,017. A two-time Virginia Press Association awards winner, Megan is a hard-hitting journalist with an interest in using journalism to uncover inequities and hold public officials accountable. He realized Smith was a man and became enraged. Jerry was a restaurant manager and known as a polite young man throughout his life. Etute was denied bail. 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. Even though Etute committed the murder before July, the bills sponsor says the important thing is the timing of the trial. The autopsy showed all the bones in Smiths face were broke and they had several fractures in their skull. The second witness was Detective Mike Czernicki, who conducted part of the investigation at the scene of the crime and attended the victims autopsy. Jerry Paul Smith of Blacksburg, Va., was beaten to death May 31. Etute pleaded not guilty to the murder charge during his arraignment last week. BLACKSBURG, Va. (WDBJ) - Surveillance video shows three people leaving quickly from Jerry Smiths Blacksburg apartment May 31. 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.. Police found a knife hidden under Smith's mattress, leading Turk to say, "Who would be more likely to resort to violence? Enraged, Etute landed blows on Smith and punched him on the face five times, court records say. 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. This was a wicked sexual ruse.". SaharaReporters.com is an outstanding, groundbreaking news website that encourages citizen journalists to report ongoing corruption and government malfeasance in Africa. Before Roems bill, judges had to tell juries in the Commonwealth that this argument was a recognized defense. June 22, 2021 4:06 am EDT. But what about after this case? Closing arguments were expected to take place Friday, after Turk calls more witnesses, according to the Times. If you need assistance or support, you are encouraged to reach out for help. Le nombre de Saint-Martiniers par km (densit) est de 575.5. Smith was discovered dead the following day after his family requested a welfare check. On the night of April 10, Etute went to Smiths apartment which was very dimly lit and engaged in an act of sexual nature. Heres where the panic defense comes in. Cloudy with occasional rain showers. Information from the Blacksburg Police Department may be found at theTown of Blacksburg website. Tax Code Causes Problems For LGBTQ Couples, New THC Laws to Take Effect in Virginia July 1, Sick Of Divisive Attacks On Schools? An exam indicated every bone in Smiths face was broken, and he had missing and broken teeth. The video footage was shared exclusively with us from the property owner of the victims apartment; the owner would like to remain anonymous. Link between Virginia Tech football player suspect and restaurant It was gathered that all the bones in his face were broken and even his teeth were missing. Jurors will be tasked with deciding whether or not the defendant acted in self-defense, as he doesn't deny killing Smith. He later beat Smith to death. Then jurors will decide whether or not Etute is guilty of second-degree murder. The student arrested is Isimemen Etute of Virginia Beach, Virginia, a freshman majoring in human development. During the June 9 hearing, Etutes attorney James Turk argued it wasnt a simple case of going to an apartment and punching someone. BLACKSBURG, Va. (WDBJ) - The suspect in a 2021 killing in Blacksburg has pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder. There was an error processing your request. A detective and the state medical examiner "testified that most of the bones in Smith's face were broken, he had bleeding and swelling inside his brain and he had multiple teeth knocked out," according to the Times. The Commonwealths Attorney says Etute punched Smith five times in the head, making Smith fall, at which point Etute stepped on Smiths head. The prosecution contends statutes apply at the time of trial not the date of the alleged criminal offense. The trial. Nigerian-American Man Beats "Lover" To Death After Realizing She Was A According to Detective Heather Rose-Semple, the first witness,Etute and Smith had first established contact over the dating app Tinder in April 2021. The man who hid the knife or this goofy, gullible kid?" Isimemen Etute found not guilty of second-degree murder - WFXRtv Blacksburg police discovered Smith's body on June 1 in his apartment. A Montgomery County judge certified on Sept. 23 a charge of second-degree murder of Blacksburg resident Jerry Paul Smith against Isimemen David Etute, suspended Virginia Tech football. 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.". The motion argues that Jerry Smith died before the statutes went into effect, and they should not be allowed in this trial. 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. 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.. The second motion relates to the gay panic defense statutes that were passed by the General Assembly and went into effect in July 2021. Isimemen David Etute, 18, has been charged with second-degree murder. person will not be tolerated. 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. They did, however, orchestrate a trade-up with the Minnesota Vikings. MATT GENTRY, The Roanoke. He said the two had video-chatted the night Jerry Paul Smith was killed and was concerned after he hadnt answered a follow-up call the next morning. Luxury duplex apartments for sale in Saint-grve, Auvergne-Rhne-Alpes This wasnt a first-time meeting. Check out the all NEW Advocate Channel! 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. The two had been communicating via Tinder direct messages, Smith presenting himself as Angie Renee'' on his profile. Smith's family wore shirts with Jerry's face on them. 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The following three paragraphs are from Hites testimony. According to the Montgomery County Circuit Court clerk's office, a jury trial has been set for May 2022. Jerry Paul Smith of Blacksburg, Virginia - Kendall Funeral Home Details. The defense filed a motion to allow some witnesses to remain anonymous because they had similar encounters with Smith. The suspension also includes his standing with the Virginia Tech football team. BestReviews is reader-supported and may earn an affiliate commission. They said Smiths tactics amounted to sexual battery under Virginia law. He is now suspended from both the team and the university. Published: May. Thats just wrong, Turk said. 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. 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