Authorities have launched an extensive manhunt after a convicted murderer serving a life sentence escaped from a Tennessee prison. Residents have been warned not to approach the fugitive, who is considered dangerous.
Jacob Allen Morley, 28, reportedly broke through a perimeter fence at the Northwest Correctional Complex in Tiptonville late Sunday before fleeing into the surrounding area in his prison clothing.
The escape triggered a major response from local, state and federal agencies. Morley’s case has drawn particular attention because his victim’s body was found buried beneath the killer’s home in 2022.
The search took a dramatic turn Monday evening when investigators announced that Morley allegedly stole a pickup truck soon after escaping, raising concerns that he may have traveled well beyond the prison grounds.
Tennessee authorities have placed Morley on the state’s Most Wanted list and offered a $2,500 reward for information that leads to his arrest.
Prison officials discovered the breach at approximately 11:30 p.m. Sunday, when officers conducting checks determined that Morley was missing.
Staff carried out an emergency count and searched the facility, but Morley had already left the prison.
Investigators later reviewed surveillance footage to determine how the inmate escaped.
Convicted murderer Jacob Morley, 28, fled a Tennessee prison Sunday night after reportedly breaching a perimeter fence while serving a life sentence
Images released by investigators show the fugitive in a blue shirt and gray pants as authorities work to retrace his movements
A separate surveillance image appears to show Morley wearing a gray hat and blue shirt after escaping from the Northwest Correctional Complex
‘Further review of security cameras confirmed Morley breached the perimeter fence and exited the facility in his TDOC uniform,’ the Tennessee Department of Correction said.
Officials have not explained precisely how Morley overcame the prison’s perimeter security or why the breach was not detected immediately.
By Monday, the search had widened across the area surrounding the prison, with officers checking nearby buildings and other structures for clues.
The Tennessee Highway Patrol joined the operation, deploying troopers and aircraft as investigators worked to establish Morley’s route after the escape.
Investigators received a possible lead after the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation obtained surveillance footage that appeared to show Morley taking a truck at about 1 a.m. Monday.
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The vehicle was identified as a white 2008 Ford F-350 marked with the name Lindamood Planting Company.
Anyone who sees Morley or the truck has been urged to call police immediately and avoid confronting him.
Morley was serving a life sentence for the first-degree murder of Cody Birchfield, an East Tennessee man who disappeared in February 2022.
An earlier booking photo shows Morley smiling in an orange prison uniform before his escape prompted a statewide manhunt
Grainy nighttime surveillance footage shows a pickup truck in a farm parking lot just before Morley managed to steal the vehicle
A roadside security camera in Tiptonville sees Morley driving away at speed in the stolen truck shortly after escaping
Investigators say Morley stole this distinctive white Ford F-350 pickup truck, potentially allowing him to flee far beyond the prison
Morley was serving a life sentence for the murder of Cody Birchfield, whose remains were discovered buried beneath his home in March 2022
Tennessee authorities have issued a wanted poster for Morley, warning the public that he is dangerous and offering a $2,500 reward for information leading to his arrest
Birchfield’s disappearance triggered a missing-person investigation before authorities made a grisly discovery the following month.
His remains were found buried underneath Morley’s home in March 2022.
Morley was subsequently convicted of Birchfield’s murder in February 2025 and sentenced to life imprisonment that June.
Investigators are also asking residents near the prison to examine their home security footage for anything suspicious that might help reconstruct the fugitive’s movements.
‘Residents are urged to review doorbell cameras, surveillance systems, and trail cameras, and to check their property for anything unusual or out of place,’ the TBI said.
Investigators are also urging people not to put themselves in danger by confronting Morley.
‘Do not attempt to apprehend this fugitive,’ corrections officials warned.