Map tracks Jacob Morley sightings as manhunt continues after Tennessee prison escape

TIPTONVILLE, TENNESSEE: Convicted murderer Jacob Morley remains missing after escaping from Northwest Correctional Complex in Tennessee, as authorities continue their search and track reported sightings. The stolen Ford F-350 linked to his escape was found abandoned in Marion, Illinois, around 142 miles from the prison, on October 27, but investigators have not confirmed his whereabouts.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) announced on Wednesday, October 28, that the reward for information leading to Morley's capture had increased to $15,000. Authorities have added him to Tennessee's Most Wanted list and warned the public not to approach him.

Jacob Morley sightings: Escape route traced from Tennessee to Illinois

Morley, 28, escaped from Northwest Correctional Complex in Tiptonville on October 26. According to the Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC), staff discovered he was missing at around 11:30 pm on October 25 and immediately began an emergency count and search.

Security camera footage later "confirmed Morley breached the perimeter fence and exited the facility," officials said.

Authorities subsequently released images of a white 2008 Ford F-350 that was stolen from a lot near Tiptonville, about two miles from the prison through fields. Investigators believed the vehicle was connected to Morley's escape.

The Hornbeak Fire Department in West Tennessee reported that the escapee was seen passing the department at 1:18 am on Monday, October 26, in the truck. The same vehicle was later spotted in nearby Troy.

"As of this post the escapee is still on the loose. Use extra precaution until apprehended," the fire department said.

The truck was eventually located in Marion, Illinois, at around 4 am on October 27. Surveillance footage showed it parked behind a shopping center, and it was reported to police at approximately 11 am. Authorities have not confirmed Morley's whereabouts since the vehicle was found.

The TBI confirmed the discovery in an October 27 update, stating that Morley's location remained unknown and urging anyone with information to contact investigators.

Jacob Morley manhunt: Reward increases to $15,000

The reward for information leading to Morley's capture has reached $15,000, with contributions from three sources. The TBI is offering $2,500, the US Marshals are contributing $5,000, and Tennessee Governor Bill Lee's office is providing $7,500.

Despite recovering the truck, authorities have not located Morley. The TBI has warned that he should be considered dangerous and urged anyone with information to contact investigators.

"Morley's location remains unknown. If you have any info, call 1-800-TBI-FIND," the agency said in a statement on Tuesday, October 27.

"If you see him, call 911 immediately—do not approach."

Carrie Norman, the sister of Morley's murder victim, Cody Wayne Birchfield, also warned about the danger he could pose. Speaking to NBC News, she described him as "a very dangerous man."

"If he gets ahold of any kind of weapon, he will kill," Norman said.

Authorities have also released a description of Morley, who is 6 feet tall, weighs 270 pounds, and has green eyes and brown hair. Anyone who spots him has been urged to call 911 or the TBI at 1-800-TBI-FIND.

Why was Jacob Morley sentenced to life in prison?

Morley was convicted in February 2025 of murdering his co-worker, Cody Wayne Birchfield, and sentenced to life in prison.

Birchfield was reported missing by a family member in February 2022. Investigators searching his home found "indications that a violent crime had occurred." After obtaining a search warrant, they discovered Birchfield's body in a box underneath Morley's home.

Morley was convicted of first-degree murder, along with aggravated burglary, tampering with evidence, vandalism, and evading arrest.

His arrest had also involved a pursuit in March 2022. Officers tried to stop him during a traffic stop on March 2, but he fled toward North Carolina. Police used spike strips to stop his car, which crashed as he fled into nearby woods. A police dog eventually caught him.

Jacob Morley escape raises questions about Tennessee prison security

The escape comes amid wider concerns about violence and staffing at Northwest Correctional Complex.

Several violent attacks have been reported at the facility in recent years. In July, a grand jury returned dozens of indictments involving five inmate murders, assaults against staff and inmates, and other violence.

The prison can hold 1,776 male inmates, according to the Department of Correction. A 2023 audit found that the department was struggling to fill vacant positions at the Lake County facility, with correctional officer vacancies reaching 61% during that fiscal year.

Tennessee's prison system has also faced scrutiny following the failed execution of Christa Pike on September 30. Department of Correction Commissioner Frank Strada resigned after less than three years in the role.

Pike remained alive after receiving two doses of the lethal injection drug pentobarbital. Following what was described as a "remarkable" physical recovery, the state began an independent investigation into its death penalty system.