Tennessee Inmate Serving A Life Sentence Makes Escape Captured On Video
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A convicted murderer being held at a prison in Tennessee has reportedly made a bold escape, and authorities are now pursuing him.
Jacob Allen Morley, 28, was found guilty of First-Degree Murder in 2022.
At the time of his escape on Sunday, Oct. 25, Morley was serving a life sentence at the Northwest Correctional Complex, a prison located in Tiptonville, Tennessee.
With that life sentence, Morley’s escape adds urgency for him to be returned to custody, but authorities advise that he “should be considered dangerous.”
Now, a reward of up to $2,500 is being offered by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) for information leading to his arrest, with the agency placing him on the TBI’s Most Wanted list.
Further, with Tiptonville, Tennessee, being near the border of Missouri and Kentucky, law enforcement in Missouri is advising residents in the state, particularly along the state line, to be alert.
To help bring him back into custody, authorities have released video of his escape and provided additional identifying information.
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See How The Tennessee Inmate Made His Escape From Prison
In 2022, Jacob Morley was convicted of First-Degree Murder after the body of Cody Birchfield — who had been reported missing — was found buried under Morley’s home.
Morley was also convicted of Aggravated Burglary, Tampering With Evidence, Evading arrest, and Vandalism, according to the Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC).
Described as being 5′ 11″ and weighing 240 pounds, his eyes are noted as being green and his hair is said to be brown.
“Residents are urged to check home security systems, including doorbell cameras and trail cameras, for any sightings of Morley or the stolen truck,” TDOC said.
While a reward of up to $2,500 is being offered, citizens are advised to “not attempt to apprehend this fugitive.”
In a post shared by the TBI on social media, surveillance footage from the Northwest Correctional Complex is included, and it shows the moment Morley made his escape.
The video, which notes the time was about 11:01 p.m. (CT) on Oct. 25, reportedly shows Morley approach a white 2008 Ford F-350, emblazoned with the Lindamood Planting Company logo on its doors.
The Ford pickup truck’s Tennessee tag number is 138BBQV.
At first, surveillance footage shows Morley try to enter the passenger side of the truck. With no luck, he then walks around the truck to the driver’s side. There, he seemingly gets in with no trouble.
After a moment in the dark, the light in the truck’s cabin can be seen briefly being turned on, with the windshield wipers being activated before Morley drives away.
CNN reports that footage from the prison revealed that Morley had “breached the perimeter fence,” but specifics as to how this was accomplished were not disclosed.
TBI says, “If you spot Morley or the vehicle, do not approach. Call 911 or 1-800-TBI-FIND immediately.”
See how he allegedly made his escape, here:
At 1:18 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 26, the truck was spotted on surveillance video going past the Hornbreak Fire Department in Hornbreak, Tennessee, just 12 miles from the prison.
The fire department notes the truck was also seen in Troy, Tennessee, later that morning.
The public is advised to call 911 if Jacob Morley or the vehicle are spotted, or to contact the TBI at 1-800-TBI-FIND.
This is a developing story.
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