A manhunt is under way in Tennessee after a convicted murderer serving a life sentence escaped from prison, breached a perimeter fence and allegedly stole a pickup truck during his getaway.
Jacob Allen Morley, 28, was reported missing from the Northwest Correctional Complex in Tiptonville at about 11.30pm on Sunday, October 25, according to the Tennessee Department of Correction.
Officials said an emergency count and search were launched immediately. Security footage later showed Morley leaving the facility through the perimeter fence while still wearing his prison uniform.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation said surveillance footage captured him taking a white 2008 Ford F-350 from the 400 block of Keystone Drive, about two miles south of the prison, at around 1am on Monday.
The vehicle bears the name Lindamood Planting Company and has an air compressor in its load bed. Its Tennessee registration is 138BBQV.
Jacob Allen Morley added to Tennessee’s most wanted list
Morley is described as 5ft 11in tall and weighing about 240lb, with brown hair and green eyes. Authorities have warned that he should be considered dangerous and urged members of the public not to approach him.
He has been added to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation’s Most Wanted list, with a reward of up to $2,500 offered for information leading to his arrest.
Local, state and federal agencies are involved in the search. Correctional officials and law enforcement officers have searched and cleared buildings and other structures near the prison, while the Tennessee Highway Patrol has deployed aircraft and state troopers.
Residents have been asked to check home security systems, doorbell cameras, trail cameras and hunting cameras for possible sightings or activity.
Morley was sentenced to life in prison after being convicted in Carter County of the first-degree murder of Cody Birchfield. He was also convicted of aggravated burglary, tampering with evidence, evading arrest and vandalism.
Birchfield disappeared after last being seen in Elizabethton in February 2022. Morley was arrested on March 2 that year following a police chase which ended near the North Carolina border, and Birchfield’s body was later found beneath Morley’s home.
Anyone who sees Morley or has information about his whereabouts is urged to call 911 or contact the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation at 1-800-TBI-FIND. Authorities said members of the public should not attempt to apprehend him.
