Virginia Tech Football Player Has Been Charged With Second-Degree Murder

Authorities have accused a freshman Virginia Tech football player of second-degree murder.

On Tuesday night, officers rushed to a building in Blacksburg, home to the university, for a welfare check and discovered Jerry Smith, 40, deceased, according to the Blacksburg Police Department. His death was deemed murder by authorities, however, the cause of death was not disclosed.

Police named linebacker Isimemen Etute as a person of interest and eventually charged him with second-degree murder.

Etute and Smith, both of Blacksburg, were discovered to be acquaintances, and police think there is no ongoing threat to the public.

“This is a complex, continuing investigation,” police said. According to authorities, witnesses have been interrogated and are working with the investigation.

A possible motivation has yet to be revealed.

According to ESPN, Etute, the 29th-ranked prospect in Virginia, got offers from North Carolina State, Vanderbilt, and Virginia. According to the university, the Virginia Beach native has been suspended from the football team with immediate effect.

In a statement, Virginia Tech stated, “Blacksburg Police continue to lead this ongoing investigation, and the institution will help law enforcement authorities pursuing the case in any manner it can.”

“Our shared concern for the wellbeing of all unites the Virginia Tech and Town of Blacksburg communities,” Virginia Tech declared. “We oppose all forms of violence and stand in solidarity with one another. You don’t have to be in close proximity to be affected. You are urged to seek aid or support if you require it.”

Etute was ordered jailed without bond and is scheduled to appear in court for the first time on Thursday.