TBI Makes Arrest In Jefferson County Motel Fire Death Investigation

  • Wednesday, January 9, 2013

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation arrested a Jefferson County man after he was indicted by the Jefferson County grand jury earlier this month on charges involving a murder and fire at a White Pine motel last year.

Jeffrey Burke, 16, of White Pine was arrested Wednesday and charged with second-degree murder, aggravated arson and abuse of a corpse. On June 30, 2012, Jefferson County 911 received a call that the Crown Inn, at 1148 Phillips Road in White Pine, was on fire. 

After the fire department responded and extinguished the fire, a body was discovered inside the office area. The victim was later identified as 72-year-old Eddie White who lived at the motel and was reportedly friends with Burke. An autopsy determined that Mr. White was dead prior to the fire and died from minor blunt force trauma that contributed to an existing heart condition. 

Investigators believe the fire was set in an attempt to cover up White’s death. TBI investigated the case along with the White Pine Police Department.

Burke was booked into the Jefferson County Jail without bond.

Breaking News
Latest Hamilton County Arrest Report
  • 3/28/2024

Here is the latest Hamilton County arrest report: ADERHOLT, FELICIA DAWN 1110 ST CLAIR ST DUNLAP, 37327 Age at Arrest: 37 years old Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff Booked for Previous ... more

Signal Mountain Must Determine How To Use Remainder Of ARPA Funds
  • 3/27/2024

The town of Signal Mountain has $358,637 remaining from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds it received and there must be a plan in place by the end of the year for how the money will be ... more

Chattanooga Man Gets 21-Year Sentence For Fentanyl Death Of 19-Year-Old
Chattanooga Man Gets 21-Year Sentence For Fentanyl Death Of 19-Year-Old
  • 3/27/2024

A 25-year-old Chattanooga man, was sentenced to 21 years in federal prison for supplying drugs that led to the death of 19-year-old Charlotte Gallant. Jonathan Bash appeared before Judge Curtis ... more