A manhunt is underway for a convicted murderer who escaped from a Tennessee prison late Sunday night.
Jacob Morley, 28, is serving a life sentence after a Carter County jury convicted him earlier this year of first-degree murder, aggravated burglary, tampering with evidence, evading arrest, and vandalism. The Tennessee Department of Correction confirmed that Morley slipped away from the Northwest Correctional Complex in Lake County at approximately 11:30 pm on October 25.
Staff at NWCX discovered Morley was unaccounted for and immediately conducted an emergency count and search of the facility. Further review of security cameras confirmed how the inmate made his exit. He “breached the perimeter fence and exited the facility in his TDOC uniform,” a spokesperson confirmed.
A multi-agency search was launched immediately and remains ongoing. The Tennessee Department of Correction issued a statement describing the coordinated response: “The Tennessee Department of Correction continues to work in close coordination with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to apprehend inmate Jacob Allen Morley #674793, who escaped from the Northwest Correctional Complex late last night.”
The department’s statement continued with the confirmed timeline: “At approximately 11:30 pm on October 25, staff at NWCX confirmed Morely was unaccounted for and immediately conducted an emergency count and search of the facility. Further review of security cameras confirmed Morley breached the perimeter fence and exited the facility in his TDOC uniform.”
The escapee has been added to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation’s Most Wanted list, with a reward of up to $2,500 available for information leading to his arrest. The department described Morley as 5’11” tall and weighing approximately 240 pounds.
In a follow-up statement issued on Monday, the Tennessee Department of Correction pleaded with the public to assist with their search efforts. They wrote: “The Tennessee Department of Correction is asking for the public’s assistance in locating inmate Jacob Allen Morley #674793, who escaped from the Northwest Correctional Complex late Sunday night.”
The department added specific instructions for residents: “Morley has been added to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation’s Most Wanted list, and a reward of up to $2,500 is available for information leading to his arrest.”
Residents in the area were asked to check home security and doorbell cameras, trail and hunting cameras, and other surveillance systems for possible sightings or activity. The warning was direct: “Anyone who sees Morley or has information about his whereabouts should not approach him. Call 911 immediately or contact TBI at 1-800-TBI-FIND.”
Morley’s conviction came just months before his escape. He was found guilty in February this year of murdering his longtime friend, Cody Birchfield, 34, whose body he buried under his home in Elizabethtown in March 2022. WHJL reported that Carter County Criminal Court originally stated Morley was eligible for parole. It was only in June this year that he was sentenced to life behind bars.
The TDOC emphasized its commitment to public safety in its initial statement, adding: “TDOC is committed to protecting the safety of the public and is asking the community to immediately contact law enforcement with any sightings or information.”