World · North America · 3 hrs ago
Tennessee manhunt after convicted murderer escapes from prison
Jacob Allen Morley escaped from a Tennessee prison on Sunday night while serving a life sentence.
The 28-year-old was reported missing from the Northwest Correctional Complex in Tiptonville, and surveillance footage showed him getting past a perimeter fence.
Authorities say he may have stolen a pickup truck after escaping, giving him a way to travel farther from the prison.
Morley was convicted of killing Cody Birchfield, whose body was found buried beneath Morley’s home in 2022.
The escape has prompted a search by local, state and federal agencies, with residents warned not to approach him.
Officials are offering a $2,500 reward for information leading to his arrest and are asking the public to report sightings.
The search is continuing, but authorities have not said when Morley may be caught.
Jacob Allen Morley, 28, escaped from the Northwest Correctional Complex in Tiptonville, Tennessee, while serving a life sentence for murder.
Authorities say he breached a perimeter fence on Sunday evening, October 25, and was missing by about 11.30pm.
Investigators later obtained surveillance footage that appeared to show Morley stealing a white pickup truck early Monday.
Police and state agencies are searching for him, and officials warn the public not to approach him.
Authorities are offering $2,500 for information leading to his arrest.
- Who
- Jacob Allen Morley, 28, a convicted murderer serving a life sentence.
- What
- He escaped from prison after breaching a perimeter fence. Authorities are searching for him.
- When
- Sunday evening, October 25, 2026; staff noticed he was missing at about 11.30pm.
- Where
- Northwest Correctional Complex in Tiptonville, Tennessee.
- Why
- Not stated
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Cody Birchfield was reported missing after his last sighting in Elizabethton, according to The Tennessean.
Birchfield’s body was found buried beneath Morley’s home.
Morley was found guilty of Birchfield’s murder.
Morley was sentenced to life in prison.
Morley escaped from the Northwest Correctional Complex; staff discovered he was missing at about 11.30pm.
Authorities searched the surrounding area, and investigators obtained footage apparently showing Morley stealing a pickup truck.
- Fugitive
- Jacob Allen Morley, 28
- Prison
- Northwest Correctional Complex, Tiptonville, Tennessee
- Escape method
- Breached a perimeter fence
- Victim
- Cody Birchfield
- Sentence
- Life imprisonment
- Reward
- $2,500 for information leading to Morley’s arrest
4 sources
Manhunt launched after murderer who buried victim's body beneath his home escapes from Tennessee prison
Manhunt Begins After Convicted Murderer Escapes From Tennessee Prison
Convicted Killer at Large After Escaping From Prison by Slipping Through Fence
Manhunt under way in Tennessee after convicted murderer escapes prison
What people are saying
should be considered dangerous
Residents in the area are asked to check home security and doorbell cameras, trail and hunting cameras, and other surveillance systems for possible sightings or activity
Anyone who sees Morley or has information about his whereabouts should not approach him
Do not attempt to apprehend this fugitive