Manhunt for Escaped Tennessee Murderer Spans Multiple States

Residents in Davidson County and across Tennessee are being asked to look closely at outbuildings and check on neighbors as the search for Jacob Allen Morley intensifies. The convicted murderer escaped from the Northwest Correctional Complex in Lake County early Monday morning and stole a white Ford flatbed truck marked with Lindamood Planting Company. The vehicle was later found abandoned in Marion, Illinois, but Morley remains at large.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has corrected the timeline of his escape. Initially, the agency stated that Morley’s last confirmed location was Tuesday morning in Marion. They later revised this to Monday morning. Authorities say his current location is unknown. The TBI, the U.S. Marshals Service, and local, state, and federal partners are actively investigating leads across state lines.

A reward for information leading to Morley’s capture has increased to a combined $17,500. The Tennessee Governor’s Office is contributing $7,500, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is adding $5,000, and the U.S. Marshals Service is providing another $5,000. The agency urges the public to check vacation homes, lake houses, hunting cabins, sheds, barns, garages, and other outbuildings for anything out of place. They also encourage people to check on elderly relatives and others who may be vulnerable.

Morley is serving a life sentence with the possibility of parole for the 2022 killing of Cody Birchfield in Carter County. He was convicted of first-degree murder, abuse of a corpse, tampering with evidence, and aggravated burglary. Authorities consider him dangerous and are asking people in Tennessee and surrounding states to stay alert.

In Wisconsin, investigators in Dane County are reviewing an armed robbery at the Bank of Deerfield. Officials report that a gunman demanded money, restrained two employees, and left with cash before stealing a Lincoln MKZ from the parking lot. The vehicle was later found empty. The TBI says it is aware of the robbery but has not confirmed any connection to Jacob Morley.

Anyone who sees Morley should not approach him. Call 911 immediately. Anyone with information can call 1-800-TBI-FIND. The search continues as agencies work to narrow down his location.