Manhunt Underway After Convicted Killer Escapes Tennessee Prison by Breaching Perimeter Fence

A convicted murderer serving a life sentence has escaped from a Tennessee prison, triggering a manhunt as authorities warn the public not to approach him.

Jacob Allen Morley, 28, was discovered missing late Sunday, October 25, from the Northwest Correctional Complex in Tiptonville, Tennessee. Prison staff realized he was unaccounted for at approximately 11:30 p.m. and immediately launched an emergency search.

Officials reviewed surveillance footage and confirmed that Morley had breached the facility’s perimeter fence and escaped while still wearing his prison uniform. Authorities have not disclosed exactly how he managed to get through the fence.

The Tennessee Department of Correction is working with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies to locate him. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has also added Morley to its Most Wanted list and announced a reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to his arrest.

Morley is described as 5 feet 11 inches tall, weighing approximately 240 pounds, with brown hair and green eyes. Officials have warned that he should be considered dangerous and urged members of the public not to approach or attempt to capture him.

Morley was serving a life sentence following his conviction for the 2022 murder of his former co-worker, Cody Birchfield. Birchfield disappeared in February 2022, and his body was discovered buried beneath Morley’s home several weeks later.

In addition to first-degree murder, Morley was convicted of aggravated burglary, tampering with evidence, evading arrest and vandalism. His case previously drew attention after he led authorities on a pursuit that ended in North Carolina before his arrest.

The Northwest Correctional Complex is located in a rural area of northwest Tennessee, approximately 90 miles north of Memphis. Authorities have been searching nearby buildings and structures while continuing efforts to track down the escaped inmate.

Officials are urging anyone who sees Morley or has information about his whereabouts to contact law enforcement immediately. The search remains ongoing, and investigators have not announced when he might be found.

Source: DAILYMAIL