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ELIZABETHTON, Tenn. (WJHL) — Jacob Morley, a man found guilty in 2022 for the murder of Cody Birchfield, was sentenced to life in prison on Friday.
Birchfield’s body was discovered buried and hidden underneath Morley’s home in March 2022. Birchfield had previously been reported as missing.
Morley was found guilty of Birchfield’s murder on February 3. He was previously charged with first-degree murder, abuse of a corpse and tampering with evidence, according to Deputy District Attorney Dennis Brooks and Assistant District Attorney Darcee Kubisiak in February.
As of June 27, Morley was charged with the following: the sentencing for each charge is also listed:
- 1st Degree Murder – Life in Prison with chance of parole (count 1)
- Abuse of a Corpse – 1 year concurrent with life (count 2)
- Tampering with Evidence – 3 years concurrent with life (count 3)
- Aggravated burglary – 3 years consecutive with life (count 4)
- Theft of Property over $1000 – 1 year concurrent with Count 4 (count 5)
- Evading Arrest – 3 years consecutive to count 4
- Reckless Endangerment – dismissed
- Vandalism – 1 year consecutive to count 4
Morley is eligible for parole, according to the Carter County Criminal Court.