2 indicted on murder charges in South Pittsburg death investigation

MARION COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) — One year ago to the date, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation began looking into a death within a vehicle fire. Now, two people are being charged with murder.

On February 9, 2023, the TBI began helping South Pittsburg police investigate a vehicle fire. The car was found off a steep ravine on the 1300 block of Raulstontown Road.

Authorities said they found the remains of a man in the “charred” car. The TBI identified him as 49-year-old Keith Whitmore.

Agents determined that Whitmore’s wife and another man were responsible for his death. The TBI identified those responsible as Jeneal Whitmore, 41, and Stephen Macari, 28.

Jeneal Whitmore / Marion County Sheriff’s Office

A Marion County grand jury indicted Whitmore and Macari on Monday.

Both are being charged with one count of first-degree murder, the TBI said.

Stephen Macari / Marion County Sheriff’s Office

According to the TBI, authorities found and arrested Whitmore on Thursday, February 8, in Franklin. They booked her into the Williamson County Jail to be transferred back to Marion County.

Lewisburg police additionally arrested Macari on Thursday. He was then booked into the Marion County Jail.