Convicted Murderer Escapes Tennessee Prison Through Perimeter Fence

Jacob Morley escapes Northwest Correctional Complex

Tennessee authorities are searching for 28-year-old convicted murderer Jacob Morley after he escaped from the Northwest Correctional Complex in Tiptonville late Sunday. The Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC) reported that staff discovered Morley was missing at approximately 11:30 p.m. on October 25. Security camera footage confirmed that Morley breached the prison’s perimeter fence while wearing his prison uniform. Morley is 5ft 11in (1.8 meters) tall and weighs 240lb (109kg), with brown hair and green eyes.

Stolen truck tracks Morley to Hornbeak

Investigators identified surveillance footage showing Morley stealing a white 2008 Ford F-350 pickup truck at about 1:00 a.m. on Monday, October 26. The vehicle, which belongs to the Lindamood Planting Company, was carrying tools in its bed and bears Tennessee license plate 138BBQV. John Lindamood, co-owner of the farming operation, noted that because the truck was not in service at the time, employees did not realize it was missing until midday Monday. Additional video captured the truck passing the Hornbeak Fire Department, located about 15 miles from the correctional facility, at approximately 1:18 a.m.

Background on the 2022 murder conviction

Morley is serving a life sentence for the 2022 murder of his co-worker, Cody Birchfield. Morley was convicted in the killing of Birchfield, who was initially reported missing in February 2022. His remains were discovered inside a metal box beneath Morley’s home in Carter County after he had been reported missing for several weeks. Bullet casings found at the scene matched a gun discovered in Morley’s house. Morley was also convicted of aggravated burglary, tampering with evidence, vandalism, and evading arrest. He was not eligible for parole until December 2083.

Staffing challenges at the Tiptonville facility

A 2023 state audit revealed that the facility struggled with a 61% vacancy rate for correctional officer positions during that fiscal year, the highest rate among state-operated prisons, as reported by Corrections1. While the facility is designed to house 1,776 inmates, officials have not stated whether current staffing levels contributed to this breach.

Questions regarding the perimeter breach

While officials have confirmed that Morley escaped by climbing through a fence, the Tennessee Department of Correction has not yet released details regarding how he bypassed the security barrier or the specific circumstances that allowed him to reach the perimeter undetected. Further review of security cameras confirmed Morley breached the perimeter fence and exited the facility in his TDOC uniform, the Tennessee Department of Corrections said in its news release. The Tennessee Highway Patrol has deployed aviation assets and state troopers to assist in the search for the fugitive. A reward of up to $2,500 is currently being offered for information leading to his arrest.

Law enforcement actively searches rural areas

What is the current status of the search?

Law enforcement officials are actively searching rural areas and structures near the prison, which is located in an isolated region near the Mississippi River. Morley has been added to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation’s “Most Wanted” list.

Has Morley attempted to flee from police before?

Yes. In 2022, when authorities arrived at his home to investigate the disappearance of Cody Birchfield, Morley fled and led police on a chase that crossed state lines into North Carolina before he was apprehended.

More on this story: Convicted Murderer Jacob Morley Escapes Tennessee Prison, Steals Truck