TIPTONVILLE, TENNESSEE — A massive manhunt is underway in Tennessee after convicted murderer Jacob Allen Morley escaped from the Northwest Correctional Complex in Tiptonville late Sunday night. Morley, 28, is serving a life sentence for first-degree murder. He has been added to Tennessee’s Most Wanted list, and authorities are warning the public that he is dangerous. Police believe he fled in a stolen pickup truck.
Surveillance Video Shows Morley Breaching Prison Perimeter Fence
Surveillance video shows Morley breaching the prison’s perimeter fence while still wearing his prison uniform. Images released show him in a blue shirt, gray pants, a gray beanie, and glasses. He also appears to have a full reddish beard. The clothing makes him easier to spot if he has not changed.
How he managed to get past the fence has not been explained. Prison officials are reviewing the escape. Investigators are working to learn whether anyone helped him. The Northwest Correctional Complex is located in Lake County in the far northwest corner of the state.
Police Say Morley Stole White 2008 Ford F-350 Pickup Truck
Police say Morley then stole a white 2008 Ford F-350 pickup truck around 1 a.m. Monday. The truck has Tennessee license plate 138BBQV. Plate readers and patrol units across the region are watching for it. Anyone who spots the vehicle should call authorities right away.
Investigators believe he may be using the truck to travel. The theft happened only hours after the escape. He could have traveled a long distance in the hours since. It is unclear in which direction he may be heading. Tiptonville sits near the borders of Kentucky and Missouri.
Morley Convicted of Murdering Coworker Cody Birchfield
Morley was convicted of murdering his coworker, Cody Birchfield. Birchfield’s body was discovered buried under Morley’s home in 2022. The discovery led to murder charges and a conviction. The case shocked the community at the time.
He is now serving a life sentence for first-degree murder. His escape has raised serious concerns about public safety and prison security. Birchfield’s loved ones now face renewed fear and pain. Questions are also being asked about how long it took to notice he was gone.
Reward of Up to $2,500 as Police Warn Public Not to Approach
Morley has been placed on Tennessee’s Most Wanted list. The TBI regularly uses the list to track dangerous fugitives. Multiple agencies are involved in the search. A reward of up to $2,500 is being offered for information leading to his arrest.
Police warn that he is dangerous and should not be approached. Residents should not try to stop him themselves. Anyone with information should call 911 or 1-800-TBI-FIND. Even small tips could help lead to his capture. Residents in the region are being urged to lock their homes and vehicles.
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