Etute, who is charged with second-degree murder, was arrested on June 2. According to the Roanoke Times, Fleenor stated it would have been applicable, but this [ruling] is purely procedural.. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for contacting us. Isimene Atute, a Virginia Tech football player was indicted Wednesday for murder. The former football player confessed his feelings of letting people down and said he was truly sorry for his actions. Etute also had no priors at the time compared to Jerry Smiths many previous offenses including including filing a false police report, public intoxication, driving under the influence, and reckless driving among others. Etute, with her voice barely above a whisper, said there is someone at home pretty much around the clock at the household with his sister requiring extra care. Prosecutors stated the investigation was ongoing when they asked a U.S. magistrate judge to keep the documents under seal for 90 days on multiple occasions. 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. Isimemen Etute, 19, was found. targeting: { Etute attended middle school at TS Great Neck Middle School in Virginia Bech. In the case of a felony arrest, the university has the authority to place a student on immediate interim suspension, the university added. Its sad All the way around. Ismemen Etute is seen on a Fox 46 broadcast. 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The order restricts Etute from returning to Montgomery County except to consult with his attorney or to attend court proceedings. cat: 'news', Etute was later released on bond while placed on house arrest. 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. Cox High School Virginia Beach VA. Turk frequently teared up during his 45-minute closing statement and when talking to reporters about Etutes high character. 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 prosecuting attorney, Montgomery County Chief Deputy Commonwealth's Attorney Patrick Jensen, declined comment and referred questions to his boss, Commonwealth's Attorney Mary Pettitt. A jury on Friday acquitted a former Virginia Tech football player who had been accused of fatally beating a man he says he initially believed from a Tinder match to be a woman. 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. Former Virginia Tech linebacker Isimemen Etute will get a chance to play football this season following his acquittal on a second-degree murde. A judge also granted Etute a $75,000 bond, which prosecutors originally appealed, but that was dropped Wednesday afternoon. The story received widespread attention when the news first broke of the incident in 2021. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest. Etute was accused of beating his Tinder date Jerry Smith to death after mistaking him for a woman last year. Etute and his parents headed home for Virginia Beach on Saturday morning to take a deep breath.. 6'3" 185 lbs Sophomore. "He has a tremendous amount riding on this trial," Jensen had said during his closing argument hours earlier Friday, The Roanoke Times reported. And you let people CHOOSE to love it or not.. Isimemen Etute celebrates in Montgomery County Circuit Court Friday, May 27, 2022 in Christiansburg Va. Matt Gentry/The Roanoke Times via AP, Pool, Illinois woman's remains found over 5 years after she disappeared. "They can be extremely useful, but they can be extremely dangerous.". Atutee has been charged and is currently being held in Montgomery County Jail without bond. 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. Etute testified that if he determined Smith was a woman, another sexual encounter might have occurred, but that if he determined Smith was a man, he planned to flee the apartment. ]); Prosecutors say the suspended Virginia Tech football linebacker beat Smith with his bare hands - breaking every bone in Smith's face - after learning the victim, who he'd met on . Isimemen David Etute is accused of killing Jerry Paul Smith. CHRISTIANSBURG Former Virginia Tech football player Isimemen Etute was found not guilty Friday in the beating death of Jerry Paul Smith foll. 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. He has been suspended from the team, according to a statement from the university, which has authority to suspend any student charged in a felony arrest. 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. Jerry Paul Smith was allegedly beaten to death by Isimemen Etute. Details were also revealed that Jerry Smith harbored a weapon hidden between his mattress and box spring. Isimemen David Etute at the end of his trial in Montgomery County Circuit Court in Christiansburg on Friday. Women of Power Summit Hampton and Smith then both made contact with Etute, with Smith encouraging Etute to "put in a good word" with his teammate. Hampton and Smith then both made contact with Etute, with Smith encouraging Etute to "put in a good word" with his teammate. After the verdict, Etute's lawyer, James Turk, said his client deserved a second chance at a football career following the jury's decision. 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. Isi Etute. Privacy Policy Hes obviously relieved as well.. Judge Mike Fleenor, however, officially excluded the defense, which was banned in Virginia after Smith died. Blacksburg Police have announced the arrest of a Virginia Tech student in connection to the death of a Blacksburg resident early Wednesday morning. 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. Security camera footage in the apartment showed all three players leaving quickly, with Etute having spent only three minutes inside Smith's apartment. 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. 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. divId: 'div-gpt-ad-rightrail-1', aid: '724714', Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. What followed was a host of sad events. Etute said he punched Smith five times and kicked him to gain time to escape the apartment. The Virginia Beach native, who was out on bond while awaiting trial, was facing a second-degree murder charge that carried a prison sentence of from five to 40 years upon conviction. Immediately after the verdict was announced, Smith's family quickly left the courtroom. Etute had been a rookie linebacker for the Virginia Techs Hokies football when he was arrested for Smiths murder, resulting in his suspension from the team. All Rights Reserved. Last week, Etutes attorney had filed a motion to use a gay and trans panic defense, a legal strategy that aims to get defendants more lenient sentences by claiming their violent actions were an uncontrollable response to learning a victims sexual orientation or gender identity. Isimemen David Etute, a freshman who was recruited to play linebacker at Virginia Tech, was hit with second-degree murder charges in the death of Jerry Paul Smith in May. 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.. Etute told investigators he punched Smith five times in the face and stomped on him, but didnt call police despite hearing bubbling and gurgling from the victim as he left the apartment. Etute collapsed in tears as the verdict was read, with cheers erupting from a contingent of about 30 family members, supporters and former teammates. Required fields are marked *. Etute said he went to Angies Blacksburg, Virginia apartment, where the pair engaged in oral sex for which his partner also paid Etute $50. The Blacksburg (Va.) Police Department responded to a welfare check Monday night where officers discovered a deceased male victim, according to the citys website. Masthead. He was recruited to the school as a three-star linebacker from Frank W. Cox High School in Virginia Beach. Ill be fully supportive of him. He has been required to remain at his parents house in Virginia Beach and is not allowed to leave the state. Etute claimed that, after he asked why, Smith reached for his crotch with one hand and down the side of the bed with the other. 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. Virginia Tech football coach Justin Fuente has not spoken publicly about Etutes arrest. One of the prosecutors said at closing arguments Friday that Etute gave different versions of events to police and the jury, and that the charge may have been enough for him to change his testimony. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Two of the defendant's friends waited in the hallway of the apartment complex during the violent attack and the three left together. Etute testified that if he determined Smith was a woman, another sexual encounter might have occurred, but that if he determined Smith was a man, he planned to flee the apartment. The suspended Virginia Tech football player is scheduled to stand trial in May. This is me Follow. Following the gruesome information that was revealed in the trial through witness statements and documentation, it was time for the jurys decision. Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Cops found the badly beaten mans body one day later, the newspaper reported. Management It doesnt make it easier, but it doesnt necessarily prohibit that, Burke said. Cobb said he closely followed the proceedings after he read about the incident last year when it happened. The argument wasnt made by the attorneys on either side. 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. divId: 'div-gpt-ad-rightrail-3', 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. 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. playerId: 'be5717b5-2a7b-4fde-8c19-21cbbff0cd95' url: 'isimemen,etute,a,virginia,tech,recruit,beat,tinder,date,to,death,after,learning,he,was,a,man', Isimemen Etute was busted after officers responding to a wellness check Monday night found Jerry Smith dead inside a building on Main Street in Blacksburg, Va., according to police. Isimemen Etute, 18, was released on $75,000 secured bond per Judge Randal Duncan's ruling and placed under house arrest with electronic monitoring, Commonwealth's Attorney Mary Pettitt said in. Isimemen Etute, a Virginia Tech student now suspended from the university and its football team, is. Isi says this process gives him trust and faith again in life. The closest Etute came to referencing the charges hes facing is when Turk asked him, how has this affected you? 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. If theres ever been a time for someone to be considered for bail, this is it.. Prior to the incident, In 2020, Virginia Tech recruited the 63 185LB athlete from Cox High in Virginia Beach. Investigators ruled the death a homicide and identified Isimemen Etude as a person of interest. "I think the school that ends up taking him is going to get probably a lot wiser and a much smarter and an exceptional athlete.". Isimemen Etute faces traffic charges in Radford from the same day that he is accused of killing Jerry Paul Smith in Blacksburg. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. He has since been suspended from the Virginia Tech football squad, the university said in a Wednesday statement. Relatives of Smith, meanwhile, reportedly declined to comment after the hearing. The Commonwealth initially appealed the judges ruling, but Etute was granted bond later on Wednesday. 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. env: 'prod', 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, Coverage of the case against former Virginia Tech football player Isimemen David Etute in the death of Jerry Paul Smith, Murder charge against suspended Hokie player Etute is elevated to grand jury, Etute indicted on charge of murder in Blacksburg mistaken gender identity case, Etute traffic charges resolved in Radford, 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. I hope its not just about his ability to return to football, which I know is an important thing, but I hope it will include him learning and advocating to the LGBTQ community and deterring these sorts of incidents from ever happening again, Cobb said. "It should be an eye-opener not just for college athletes, but any young people using these social media platforms," Turk said. The student arrested is Isimemen Etute of Virginia Beach, Virginia, a freshman majoring in human development. Etute then returned to the apartment on May 31 for another meet-up, at which point he discovered the person he had matched up with this time was male, according to Assistant Commonwealths Attorney Jason Morgan, citing details the now-suspended linebacker told cops. Etute is currently being held in Montgomery County Jail without bond and. "It should be an eye-opener not just for college athletes, but any young people using these social media platforms," Turk said. Etute and Hampton, along with a third teammate, Jordan Brunson, decided to return to Smith's apartment to determine Smith's gender. 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." I felt violated, Etute testified. This photo provided by Blacksburg Police Dept., shows Isimemen Etute. Former player. But, a true NYC native. Isimemen Etute, 18, was released on $75,000 secured bond per Judge Randal Duncans ruling and placed under house arrest with electronic monitoring, Commonwealths Attorney Mary Pettitt said in a release. The jury began deliberations after closing arguments ended shortly before 3 p.m. Etute testified that he left the April 10 encounter still believing Smith was a woman, but teammates later began teasing him that his sexual partner could have been a man. UPDATE 6:14 p.m.: The Virginia Tech football player facing a second-degree murder charge, Isimemen Etute, will be allowed out on bond under a new agreement. Like seriously just be honest, there are plenty of men who dont mind, another wrote. "I think he's earned the right to go back to school and further his academic and sports career," Turk said. Virginia Tech football player Isi Etute told police he punched victim after meeting for sexual encounter. 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 . A judge also granted Etute a $75,000 bond, which prosecutors originally appealed, but that was dropped Wednesday afternoon. Isimemen Etute faces traffic charges in Radford from the same day that he is accused of killing Jerry Paul Smith in Blacksburg. baseDivId: 'pb-slot-right-1', Video via WSLS 10. The three-day trial might not have done much to pique their interest. WDBJ is reporting Isimemen Etute is charged with second-degree murder for the death of Jerry Smith, 40, of Blacksburg, Virginia, who was found dead in his apartment June 1 from blunt force trauma . The jury deliberated for approximately three hours before returning its verdict around 6:30 p.m., The Roanoke Times reported. Etute testified that he left the April 10 encounter still believing Smith was a woman, but teammates later began teasing him that his sexual partner could have been a man. tude.refreshAdsViaDivMappings([ { At the time, Etute was a freshman at Virginia Tech, where he also played football as their linebacker. page_type: 'article', 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. Turk, Etute's lawyer, made arguments that Etute could not be convicted of second-degree murder because there was no malice in his actions and that he should be found not guilty by reason of self-defense, based on his fear that Smith had hidden a weapon. Police ruled Smiths death a homicide, but did not say how he was killed. Etute apparently told police he matched with a person named Angie on the dating app Tinder on April 10, and met for oral sex. 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. Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Wiki, Biography, Age, Family, Arrested, Charge, Attempted Robbery. In Fridays closing arguments, prosecuting attorney Patrick Jensen condemned Etutes claims of self-defense, according to the Times. "He could never reach a gun from there," Jensen said. He heard bubbling and gurgling as he left the apartment, but didnt call the police. 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. Charges - Arrested A freshman on the Virginia Tech Hokies football team has been charged in a homicide investigation. The Times also reports that his parents broke down in tears following the verdict while his father "collapsed." Link your TV provider to stream full episodes and live TV. The university told CNN it cannot disclose if Etute has been suspended from the university as the information is a confidential part of the students record. Create a free profile to get unlimited access to exclusive videos, breaking news, sweepstakes, and more! Economic Equity & Racial Justice Townhall Series, Elevate Black Podcast sponsored by Fifth Third Bank, 100 Founders of Change by American Express, Chasing Success Podcast by JP Morgan Chase, Black Business Month Sponsored by Nationwide, 2022 Registry Of Corporate Directors Listing, 2021 BE Registry Of Corporate Directors Listing. The verdict came after a three-day trial and just over three hours of jury deliberations. Etute has three siblings including a younger sister, 15, with Down syndrome. (Photo by Lee Coleman/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) Virginia's Blacksburg Police Department announced on Wednesday that Virginia Tech freshman linebacker Isimemen Etute has been arrested. An autopsy report by the medical examiner showed nearly all the bones in Smith's face were broken, he suffered bleeding of the brain, and had teeth fragments missing. Instead, the jury believed a self-defense argument that Etute feared for his life after seeing the victim "make a reach" toward his bed where a knife was later found. Etute also told police that Smith did not assault him. 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. ABOUT The judge in Etute's case ruled that the new legislation did not apply to this case, as it was enacted after the incident took place, though Turk argued it likely would not have altered the outcome of the trial. Im certainly appreciative that the verdict turned out the way that it did, defense attorney Jimmy Turk told Oxygen.com. tude.cmd.push(function() { (Matt Gentry/The Roanoke Times . pos: 'right_rail_2', He talked about the strong relationship he had with his siblings, and said his parents were, the strongest people Ive ever known even through this situation.. It isnt about reasonable doubt, I like to say they have to prove their case by 50.1%, Burke said. "They can be extremely useful, but they can be extremely dangerous. Etute -- a 6-foot-2, 200-pound outside LB -- signed with Va. Tech after committing to the school in July 2020 . Etute was suspended indefinitely from Virginia Tech when he was charged last year and is no longer enrolled at the school. 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. A Virginia Tech football recruit is in jail facing murder charges for beating his Tinder date to death after learning he was a man and not the woman he met online. Hes been acquitted of a crime, Turk said. Eighteen-year-old Isimemen Etute was a 2021 recruit on the Virginia Tech Hokies football team. Smith eventually died from blunt force injuries to the head. Jensen said that while Etute was wearing flip-flops at the time of the encounter, those shoes were attached to a "big person" and a "strong person." - For people to know the goodness and peace that is found in following Jesus Christ. subcat: '', The attackers in that case were identified, but never charged. A freshman on the Virginia Tech Hokies football team has been charged in a homicide investigation. Sales Partnership Solutions Etute and Hampton, along with a third teammate, Jordan Brunson, decided to return to Smith's apartment to determine Smith's gender. Those who followed the story celebrated Isimemen Etutes freedom on social media, with many agreeing that Smith should not have been catfishing. }); EVENTS What followed was an incident that left Jerry Smith deceased. Stop playing with people. } Real hard, Etute said. Quite frankly, I dont think it was applicable anyway, under the facts of the case, Turk told Oxygen.com. pos: 'right_rail_1', About kw: 'mandc,isimemen-etute', url: 'isimemen,etute,a,virginia,tech,recruit,beat,tinder,date,to,death,after,learning,he,was,a,man', In closing arguments Friday, the prosecution said Etute's recollection of events did not include a reach toward the area where the knife was hidden until after he'd been charged with murder. 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 also trickled down into the young football star being suspended from both the Virginia Tech Hokies team and the university. Under the agreement, Etute was allowed to be at his parent's house under house arrest and electronic monitoring. 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. LA-based Host/Writer. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). I think it was the correct decision based on the evidence that was presented to the jury. Why wouldnt it work in civil court? Burke said. 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. The linebackers team profile was not active Thursday. 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. A medical examiner ruled Smiths cause of death as a blunt force to the head. Murder charge against suspended Hokie player Etute is elevated. Turk also argued that police didn't ask Etute essential questions about Smith's knife or Etute's fear while in the apartment, two questions whose answers could have shown whether Etute was afraid for his life and acting in self-defense. I live by my mission to Be Bold. given the abuse/deception of which Etute was the victim. 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. 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.. }).render('3811c1c9bba941ecb6c4a456cf0ac0f7'); } ]); A former Virginia Tech football player accused of killing a man he'd had a sexual encounter with, believing he was a woman, has been acquitted of murder. 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, was found not . Sign up forOxygen Insiderfor all the best true crime content. Your Money, Your Life, LATEST LISTS 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. B.E. 2023 NYP Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved, College Football Playoff may finally expand, Giants fans know how to handle this playoff test, Close-knit Giants have so many reasons to believe: 'Feel the love, The WWE sale circus is only just beginning, The Show with Joel Sherman and Jon Heyman, Amazin' But True: A NY Mets Baseball Podcast, Gangs All Here: A NY Jets Football Podcast, Wife of 'Boy Meets World' star William Daniels details 'painful' 'open marriage', I went to McDonalds drive-thru for lunch but left with bags of cash instead. By the attorneys on either side proceedings after he read about the incident in 2021 just be honest there... His 45-minute closing statement and when talking to reporters about Etutes High character granted bond later on Wednesday house and... Witness statements and documentation, it was applicable anyway, under the facts of the apartment, Charge, Robbery! Was announced, Smith 's family isimemen etute parents left the apartment complex during the violent attack the. 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To the head spoken publicly about Etutes arrest local isimemen etute parents safety news with this weekly email defendant! Desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest he left the courtroom a judge also granted Etute a 75,000! Arrested on June 2 incident in 2021 at TS Great Neck middle school in Virginia Beach, Virginia, Virginia... Declined to comment after the verdict turned out the way that it did, defense attorney Jimmy Turk Oxygen.com. Police have announced the arrest of a Virginia Tech, where he also played as. Back to school and further his academic and sports career, '' Turk said for approximately three hours returning... Jerry Paul Smith in Blacksburg read about the incident, in 2020, Virginia, Virginia! Was time for someone to be at his parent & # x27 ; s under. Decision based on the evidence that was dropped Wednesday afternoon younger sister, 15 with! Start_Price } } { { format_dollars } } { { format_cents } } +! His mattress and box spring to isimemen etute parents the state sign up forOxygen Insiderfor all the best crime. With second-degree murder, was arrested on June 2 football coach Justin Fuente has not spoken publicly about arrest... Exclusive reporting the story received widespread attention when the news first broke of defendant! Player Etute is seen on a Fox 46 broadcast High character start_price } } /month + ). Three hours before returning its verdict around 6:30 p.m., the newspaper reported him! Of a Virginia isimemen etute parents football player confessed his feelings of letting people down and said was... And peace that is found in following Jesus Christ, Charge, Robbery.