KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) – More than four days after escaping from a state prison in West Tennessee, convicted murderer Jacob Morley remains at large as local, state and federal authorities continue an intensive search spanning multiple states.
Morley, 28, escaped from the Northwest Correctional Complex in Tiptonville late on Oct. 25. The Tennessee Department of Correction said prison staff discovered he was missing around 11:30 p.m., and surveillance footage later showed him breaching the facility’s perimeter fence while wearing a prison uniform.
Authorities believe Morley stole a white 2008 Ford F-350 shortly after escaping and drove away from the area. Investigators tracked several sightings of the truck in West Tennessee before it was ultimately discovered abandoned in Marion, Illinois, roughly 140 miles from the prison.
Despite recovering the vehicle, law enforcement agencies say Morley’s whereabouts remain unknown. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has added him to the state’s Most Wanted list and warned the public that he should be considered dangerous.
The reward for information leading to Morley’s arrest has increased to at least $15,000, with contributions from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Marshals Service and the Governor’s Office. Some Tennessee Department of Correction notices list a reward of up to $17,500.
Investigators are also examining whether Morley may be connected to an armed bank robbery reported this week in Wisconsin, although authorities have not announced any charges or confirmed a connection.
Morley is serving a life sentence for the 2022 murder of Cody Birchfield. He was convicted in 2025 of first-degree murder and several related offenses, including burglary, vandalism, tampering with evidence and evading arrest. Prosecutors said Birchfield’s body was found concealed beneath Morley’s Carter County home after he had been reported missing.
Law enforcement agencies across Tennessee and neighboring states continue to search for Morley. Officials urge anyone who sees him not to approach him and instead call 911 or contact the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation immediately.
searching for Jacob Morley, who escaped from the Northwest Correctional Complex in Lake County (WVLT)
