Convicted Murderer Escapes Tennessee Prison

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Jacob Allen Morley, a convicted murderer, escaped from the Northwest Correctional Complex in Tiptonville, Tennessee. Authorities were unaware of his escape for at least five hours. Tiptonville Police Chief Joe England confirmed the delay in notification to Fox News Digital.

Morley’s escape went unnoticed until around 11:30 p.m. when prison staff discovered he was missing. A review of surveillance footage revealed that Morley crossed the prison’s perimeter fence. Prior to this, the last known sighting of him was at the prison at 4 p.m.

Morley was recorded taking a pickup truck from a location approximately two miles south of the prison at around 1 a.m. on Monday. The truck was found abandoned in Marion, Illinois. However, Morley remains at large.

Timeline of Events:

4 p.m. Sunday: Morley last seen at the prison.
11:30 p.m. Sunday: Staff confirmed Morley was missing.
1 a.m. Monday: Pickup truck stolen.
4:40 a.m. Monday: Police notified of missing inmate.
5:14 a.m. Monday: Tiptonville officers confirm escape.
6:20 a.m. Monday: Formal notification of escape sent to Lake County Central Dispatch.
2:15 p.m. Monday: Tiptonville PD informed of missing truck.
2:30 p.m. Monday: Truck theft confirmed.
10 a.m. Tuesday: Truck found abandoned in Marion, Illinois.

Tiptonville Police Department, along with other law enforcement agencies, engaged in an extensive search for Morley. Former Federal Prison Warden Cameron Lindsay criticized the delay in notifying law enforcement, calling it unacceptable.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has put out a $15,000 reward for information leading to Morley’s capture. Morley is considered dangerous and has been added to the state’s most wanted list. At 5 feet, 11 inches tall, and 240 pounds, he has brown hair and green eyes.

Morley was serving a life sentence for the 2022 murder of Cody Birchfield. His criminal history includes burglary, vandalism, tampering with evidence, and evading arrest. Birchfield disappeared in February 2022, and his body was found under Morley’s house after a police chase and arrest.

The escape coincides with recent controversies surrounding the Tennessee Department of Correction, including a botched execution attempt involving another inmate, Christa Pike.

Authorities continue to search for Morley, and the public is encouraged to provide any information about his whereabouts by calling 844-832-3463.