Local Man Pleads Guilty to Murder

A Cartersville man accused in an October 2011 homicide on Weems Spur pleaded guilty Tuesday to murder and hiding the victim's body.

Timothy James Whitener, 33, lived on Burnt Hickory Road when he was of 49-year-old Juanita Grace Thompson, who resided at 419 Sugar Valley Road in Cartersville. Authorities had said they believed Thompson was killed as a result of an argument with Whitener, which may have been about him stealing.

Judge Shepherd L. Howell sentenced Whitener to life in prison following his guilty plea on charges including murder, concealing a death, firearm violations and the theft of the deceased victim’s property, "along with her neighbor, Mr. Darrell Hall’s TV and shotgun," according to a press release issued by District Attorney Joe Campbell. "Additional charges of hindering law enforcement were resolved."

Due to a prior felony conviction, Whitener was sentenced to an additional 15 years to be served consecutive to the life sentence.

 Tell us what you think in the comments below and don’t miss any of the local news you care about—subscribe to Cartersville Patch's newsletter, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.