Manhunt Underway for Convicted Murderer Who Escaped Tennessee Prison
Jacob Allen Morley, a 28-year-old convicted murderer serving a life sentence, escaped from the Northwest Correctional Complex in Tiptonville, Tennessee, prompting an intensive multi-agency manhunt.
Perimeter Breach at Northwest Correctional Complex
Staff at the Northwest Correctional Complex discovered Morley was unaccounted for at approximately 11:30 p.m. on Sunday, October 25, 2026, according to the Tennessee Department of Correction. An emergency count and facility search immediately followed the discovery.
Security camera footage later confirmed that Morley breached the perimeter fence and exited the facility wearing his Tennessee Department of Correction uniform. Tiptonville is situated in Lake County near the Mississippi River and the Missouri state line, roughly 100 miles north of Memphis.
It remains unclear how Morley managed to bypass the facility’s security measures to execute the escape. The prison, located in Tiptonville, has an operating capacity of 1,776 male inmates across minimum to close custody levels, as detailed by the Tennessee Department of Correction.
Morley Allegedly Stole a Ford Flatbed Truck
By 1 a.m. Monday, Morley allegedly stole a white, 2008 Ford F-350 flatbed truck in the city of Tiptonville, state law enforcement and corrections officials stated. The vehicle features Tennessee license plate 138BBQV, carries an air compressor in the bed, and displays Lindamood Planting Company markings on the side, according to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.
Security video capturing the alleged theft shows a man wearing a beanie walking around the rear of the vehicle to the driver’s side door before the windshield wipers activate and the truck is driven away. In response to the breach, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation placed Morley on the state’s Most Wanted list and issued a reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to his capture.
The Tennessee Highway Patrol joined the search operation, deploying aviation assets and state troopers to scour the surrounding area. Authorities have already cleared multiple buildings and structures near the facility.
Sheriff Bryan Avery of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office urged residents to remain vigilant and exercise caution. Law enforcement officials warned the public not to approach or attempt to apprehend Morley, noting that he should be considered dangerous.
Morley Served Life for Murdering a Coworker
Morley was serving a life sentence following a February 2025 conviction for the 2022 murder of his 34-year-old coworker and long-time friend, Cody Birchfield. Court documents from the Carter County Clerk’s Office show that Birchfield was shot in the back of the head, and his body was subsequently discovered hidden inside a large metal box buried underneath Morley’s residence in Elizabethtown.
In addition to first-degree murder, Morley was convicted of abuse of a corpse, tampering with evidence, aggravated burglary for stealing tools from the victim, evading arrest, and vandalism. During his trial, Morley was described as a loner who claimed self-defense while managing mental health issues, including bipolar disorder.
Authorities have not yet explained the exact mechanism Morley used to breach the perimeter fence, nor have they detailed how he obtained the opportunity to steal the flatbed truck shortly after breaking out. State officials continue to process tips from local residents who are asked to review home security systems, doorbell cameras, and trail cameras for any footage of Morley or the stolen Ford F-350.
Anyone with relevant information is asked to immediately contact 911, the Tennessee Department of Correction, or the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.