Manhunt for Escaped Tennessee Killer Jacob Allen Morley Expands

A convicted murderer on the run from a Tennessee prison could leave new traces that assist in tracking his movements after stealing a truck, according to a former FBI agent. Jacob Allen Morley escaped from the Northwest Correctional Complex in Tiptonville, Tennessee. Although the exact timing remains unknown, prison staff discovered Morley missing at about 11:30 p.m.

An examination of the surveillance footage revealed his escape through the prison’s perimeter. He was later seen taking a pickup truck from an area just two miles south of the prison around 1 a.m. on Monday, according to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. This truck was later found abandoned in Marion, Illinois, but Morley wasn’t located.

The expansive search effort is gaining resources from multiple agencies. An Illinois State Police representative noted their support to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. Additionally, the U.S. Marshals Service is involved in the pursuit of Morley.

“But when he got the truck, now they found that 2 1/2 hours north. He is probably gonna lay low, or he’s gonna try to get another vehicle,” stated retired FBI Agent Jonathan Gilliam.

Gilliam explained that the abandoned truck might suggest Morley’s subsequent actions. He posits that Morley might employ another vehicle, particularly one less identifiable than the current stolen work truck. This could significantly widen the search field.

Considering Morley’s financial limitations, Gilliam suggests that his travel might be restricted unless additional illegal activities provide him more means. Without outside assistance, he appears focused on distancing himself from Tennessee, as observed by his movement north, away from familiar resources in the east.

Morley, known for his life sentence linked to the 2022 murder of Cody Birchfield, has been put on the state’s most wanted list. Authorities consider him “dangerous”, urging public vigilance. He stands 5 feet 11 inches tall, weighs 240 pounds, and has brown hair with green eyes.

The vehicle he originally took was a Ford F-350, which was found in Illinois. More surveillance images show Morley inside the prison before fleeing the correctional complex.

Both federal and state law enforcement continue to search for Morley actively. The 28-year-old is also guilty of multiple charges, including burglary, vandalism, and evading arrest. During his trial, his former girlfriend testified he admitted to the murder involved in his charges.

The case details include Birchfield’s disappearance in February 2022. His last known location was Elizabethton, Tennessee. Investigations indicated possible violence at his home. Morley was arrested following a chase to North Carolina where Birchfield’s body was later found concealed under Morley’s home.

Information on Morley’s whereabouts can be directed to the tip line at 844-832-3463.

For further coverage, contact reporter Adam Sabes through email at [email protected] or on Twitter @asabes10.