Former Virginia Tech football player Isimemen Etute acquitted in beating death of man he says he thought was a woman – CBS News
A jury on Friday acquitted a former Virginia Tech soccer participant who had been accused of fatally beating A particular person he says he initially believed from a Tinder match to be A woman.
Former participant Isimemen Etute, 19, was found not responsible of a cost of second-diploma homi…….
A jury on Friday acquitted a former Virginia Tech soccer participant who had been accused of fatally beating A particular person he says he initially believed from a Tinder match to be A woman.
Former participant Isimemen Etute, 19, was found not responsible of a cost of second-diploma homicide Inside the 2021 demise of Jerry Smith, 40, of Blacksburg. The jury deliberated For about three hours earlier than returning its verdict round 6:30 p.m., The Roanoke Occasions reported.
Matt Gentry/The Roanoke Occasions by way of AP, Pool
Immediately after The selection was introduced, Smith’s household shortly left the courtroom. The prosecuting lawyer, Montgomery County Chief Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney Patrick Jensen, declined remark and referred Inquiries to his boss, Commonwealth’s Attorney Mary Pettitt.
The jury started deliberations after closing arguments ended shortly earlier than 3 p.m.
Prosecutors had earlier informed the jury that Etute, then 18, turned enraged and fatally beat Smith when he found Smith was A particular person. Definitely one of many prosecutors said at closing arguments Friday that Etute gave completely different variations of occasions to police and the jury, and thOn the cost Could have been enough for him To vary his testimony.
“He has An unimaginable quantity driving on this trial,” Jensen had said all by way of his closing argument hours earlier Friday, The Roanoke Occasions reported.
Protection lawyer Jimmy Turk informed the jurors earlier Friday thOn the commonwealth’s proof was circumstantial, whereas the defense’s proof, which included the testimony of Etute, was direct.
Turk additionally said Smith was “controlling The …….
Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/isimemen-etute-virginia-tech-football-player-acquitted-murder/
