Teresa Lynn Mathena Greer, a 54-year-old female, was found dead in a fire-damaged home on North Chestnut Street in Marion, Virginia, on March 18, 2021. The subsequent investigation into her death revealed a grim series of events that led to the arrest and conviction of Jason Whittaker, a 40-year-old Marion man.
What initially appeared to be a tragic accident was soon determined to be a homicide.
The evidence uncovered by law enforcement painted a dark picture of Teresa Greer's final hours. She had been abducted, strangled, and beaten with a weapon. The fire that engulfed the home was intentionally set in an attempt to conceal the brutal crime. In the blaze, not only was Teresa Greer's life taken, but her dog was also killed.
The investigation led police to Jason Whittaker. In July 2021, a Smyth County jury found him guilty of a host of charges related to the crime. The convictions included first-degree murder, abduction, arson, and animal cruelty. Following his conviction, in November 2021, Whittaker was sentenced for his crimes. He received two life sentences, ensuring he would spend the remainder of his life in prison for the violent death of Teresa Greer.
