Trial begins for ex-Virginia Tech football player in killing


              Judge Mike Fleenor presided over former Virginia Tech football player Isimemen David Etute's trial in Montgomery County Circuit Court in Christiansburg, Va., Wednesday, May 25, 2022. Etute is accused of fatally beating Jerry Smith, 40 in May 2021, a man he met on an online dating site and had initially believed to be a woman. (Matt Gentry/The Roanoke Times via AP, Pool)
            
              Isimemen David Etute looks on as his defense attorney Jimmy Turk presents a photograph of a knife that had been discovered at the crime scene in Montgomery County Circuit Court in Christiansburg, Va., Wednesday May 25 2022. (Matt Gentry/The Roanoke Times via AP, Pool)
            
              Isimemen David Etute, center, listens with his defense team, attorney Katie Turk, left, and Jimmy Turk, right, in Montgomery County Circuit Court in Christiansburg, Va., Wednesday May 25 2022. (Matt Gentry/The Roanoke Times via AP, Pool)
            
              Former Virginia Tech football player Isimemen David Etute listens during his trial in Montgomery County Circuit Court in Christiansburg, Va., Wednesday, May 25, 2022. Etute is accused of fatally beating Jerry Smith, 40 in May 2021, a man he met on an online dating site and had initially believed to be a woman. (Matt Gentry/The Roanoke Times via AP, Pool)
Trial begins for ex-Virginia Tech football player in killing