Convicted Murderer Jacob Morley Escapes Tennessee Prison, Steals Truck

Jacob Morley, a 28-year-old inmate serving life for murder, escaped from the Northwest Correctional Complex in Tiptonville, Tennessee, and stole a truck to flee.

The Escape

Morley was discovered missing during an emergency headcount at approximately 11:30 p.m. on Sunday. Surveillance footage confirmed he breached the perimeter fence while wearing his prison uniform Source: The Guardian. He subsequently stole a white 2008 Ford F-350 around 1:00 a.m. Monday morning. Video obtained by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) shows him driving the vehicle through Lake County, with additional footage capturing him passing the Hornbeak Fire Department building at 1:18 a.m. Source: CNN.

The Crime History

Morley is serving a life sentence for the first-degree murder of Cody Birchfield. Birchfield was reported missing in February 2022, and his body was later found buried beneath Morley’s home Source: The Guardian. In addition to murder, Morley was convicted of aggravated burglary, evidence tampering, evading arrest, and vandalism. Authorities noted he previously led police on a chase that ended in North Carolina Source: CNN.

Manhunt Details

The TBI has added Morley to its "Most Wanted" list and is offering a reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to his arrest Source: CNN. The Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC) describes Morley as 5ft 11in and 240lbs with green eyes and brown hair. Officials have issued a strict warning: "Do not attempt to apprehend this fugitive," urging the public to report any sightings to TDOC Source: The Guardian. This incident marks the second escape from TDOC custody in the past week Source: CNN.