Man convicted of murder, arson after 2021 Marion house fire

MARION, Va. (WJHL) — A Smyth County jury convicted a man on murder, arson, and other charges after a woman was killed in a house fire in 2021.

Jason Emory Whittaker, 40, was convicted Wednesday of first-degree murder, abduction, arson, and animal cruelty after a three-day trial, according to Commonwealth’s Attorney Phillip Blevins.

The charges were in connection to a house fire in Marion on March 18, 2021. The body of Teresa Greer and the remains of a dog were recovered from the burned home .

“While there were no winners today, there was a sense of justice delivered by the jury,” Blevins said in a statement. “I am grateful for the hard work of Marion Police Department, Marion Fire Department, the Smyth County Sheriff’s Office, the Virginia State Police, and the U.S. Marshals.”

Blevins said the jury deliberated for just over two hours before returning its verdict.

“I am likewise grateful for the community members who served on this jury,” Blevins said. “While today’s verdict cannot bring Teresa Greer back, I pray it will bring a sense of justice to Teresa’s loved ones.”

Sentencing will take place on Nov. 21. Whittaker faces up to two life sentences plus 15 years, according to Blevins.

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