The convicted murderer Jacob Allen Morley escaped from a Tennessee prison, gaining a head start of at least five hours before local authorities were alerted, the Tiptonville Police Chief said.
Morley made his escape from the Northwest Correctional Complex in Tiptonville without an exact time of escape being disclosed by authorities. Prison staff noticed Morley’s absence at 11:30 p.m. A review of surveillance footage later showed him passing through the prison’s perimeter fence. Tennessee Highway Patrol dispatch audio indicated that Morley was last visibly seen at the prison at around 4 p.m.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation reported that Morley stole a pickup truck from the 400 block of Keystone Drive, located approximately two miles south of the prison, at about 1 a.m. on Monday. The truck was recovered in Marion, Illinois, early Tuesday morning, but Morley remains at large.
Tiptonville Police Department Chief Joe England informed that his department wasn’t notified about the missing inmate until 4:40 a.m. on Monday, over five hours after Morley’s absence was first noticed. Officers collaborated with prison staff to evaluate the situation. By 5:14 a.m., officers confirmed the escape to the rest of the department. Prison officials alerted Lake County Central Dispatch at 6:20 a.m., initiating a wider search.
Morley, 28, was serving a life sentence for the murder of Cody Birchfield in 2022. Following his escape, state, local, and federal law enforcement agencies conducted a search in collaboration with the Tiptonville Police Department and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. Despite the truck theft occurring at 1 a.m., Tiptonville PD was not informed until 2:15 p.m. that day, with confirmation at 2:30 p.m.
Timeline of Events:
- Sunday, Oct. 25: 4 p.m. – Morley’s last known location at the prison.
- 11:30 p.m. – Prison staff confirm Morley is unaccounted for.
- Monday, Oct. 26: 1 a.m. – The truck is stolen on Keystone Drive.
- 4:40 a.m. – First alert of missing inmate, notifying officers.
- 5:14 a.m. – Tiptonville confirmation of the escape.
- 6:20 a.m. – Formal notification of inmate escape.
- 2:15 p.m. – PD learns of potentially missing truck.
- 2:30 p.m. – Truck theft confirmed.
- Tuesday, Oct. 27: 10 a.m. – Truck abandoned in Marion, Illinois.
The incident raises concerns about the communication delay in notifying police of the escape. Cameron Lindsay, a former federal prison warden, expressed disapproval, emphasizing the necessity of immediate alerts to law enforcement in such emergencies.
Community guidance emphasized the need for prompt public notifications. Retired FBI Special Agent Jonathan Gilliam underlined the importance of alerting the community to ensure safety and prevent potential further offenses by Morley.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation heightened the reward to $15,000 in the search for Morley, warning the public to consider him dangerous.
In addition to his murder conviction, Morley was found guilty of burglary and other charges. Investigators linked Morley to Birchfield’s disappearance after his body was discovered post-arrest.
The escape follows a tumultuous period for the Tennessee Department of Correction, regarding the recent botched execution of Christa Pike. Pike survived a failed execution attempt, leading to a suspension of scheduled executions and an independent review of procedures.
Public reports state that Morley stands 5 feet, 11 inches tall, weighing 240 pounds, with brown hair and green eyes.
The public is urged to report any information related to Morley by contacting 844-832-3463.