Person of interest identified by Marion police connected to fatal home fire Thursday

A person of interest has been named in the case of a dead female body found in the rubble of a house fire Thursday in Smyth County, Virginia.

The Marion Police Department announced Friday that the incident has been upgraded to a homicide investigation and the person wanted for questioning is Jason Emory Whittaker, 36.

Whittaker has a felony warrant out for his arrest in another investigation, police said. The fire was reported just after 2:30 am in the 200 block of North Chestnut Street. The identity of the female found dead in the home has not been released.

Whittaker is considered armed and dangerous and now US Marshals have joined in the search. A $2,500 reward is being offered for information leading to Whittaker’s whereabouts.

Press Release: The Marion Police Department has upgraded the status of this case to a homicide. Marion Police…Posted by Marion Police Department on Friday, March 19, 2021

(MUGSHOT: MPD VA)