Image Credit: tn.gov & Canva.
Article by Olivia Lupia, Tennessee Conservative News –
An inmate escaped from the Northwest Correctional Complex (NWCX) in Tiptonville, TN near the Missouri border late Sunday night, somehow getting through the perimeter fence and stealing a truck to make his getaway.
A multi-agency manhunt is now underway as the Tennessee Department of Corrections (TDOC) asks for the public’s assistance in locating the convict.
Around 11:30 p.m. On Oct. 25, NWCX staff found Jacob Allen Morley, 28, was unaccounted for and immediately launched an emergency search of the facility. A review of security cameras confirmed that Morley breached the perimeter fence and left the facility in his prison uniform.
Additional video footage reportedly showed Morley around 1 a.m. not far from the prison stealing a white 2008 Ford F-350 with an air compressor in the bed and “Lindamood Planting Company” on the side.
The Hornbeak fire department, which sits roughly 15 miles from the prison complex, said the truck was spotted passing by around 1:18 a.m., and the truck was later spotted in Troy, another 8 miles east.
On Tuesday, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) provided an update stating the stolen truck was found abandoned in Marion, Illinois and Morely’s whereabouts remain unknown.
“Locating him continues to be an urgent priority for law enforcement,” the agency said. “Public safety is our top concern. We are working around the clock with our local, state, and federal partners to track down Morley as quickly as possible. If out have information that could assist in this investigation, please contact 1-800-TBI-FIND immediately. If you see Morley, do not approach him- call 911 at once.”
Morley was convicted of first-degree murder in 2022 after killing his long-time friend Cody Birchfield, who was reported missing before his body was found several days later hidden underneath Morley’s home.
He was also convicted on charges of abuse of a corpse, tampering with evidence, aggravated burglary, evading arrest, and vandalism, resulting in a 67-year prison sentence.
It remains unclear at this juncture exactly how Morley was able to escape.
TDOC representatives said, “Public safety is our top priority, and we are working closely with law enforcement agencies to apprehend the individual as quickly as possible. We urge anyone with information to contact 911 immediately.”
The TBI has added Morley to their most wanted list, describing him as 5’11” tall, weighing about 240 pounds, and with brown hair and green eyes. A reward of up to $2,500 is being offered for information leading to his arrest.
Sources:
WREG.
TBI.
About the Author: Olivia Lupia is a political refugee from Colorado who now calls Tennessee home. A proud follower of Christ, she views all political happenings through a Biblical lens and aims to utilize her knowledge and experience to educate and equip others. Olivia is an outspoken conservative who has run for local office, managed campaigns, and been highly involved with state & local GOPs, state legislatures, and other grassroots organizations and movements. Olivia can be reached at olivia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
