LAKE COUNTY, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) – The Tennessee Department of Correction is searching for an inmate serving a life sentence for murder after he escaped from the Northwest Correctional Complex in Lake County.
Officials identified the escaped inmate as Jacob Morley and said law enforcement agencies across the region are working together to locate him.
According to TDOC, public safety remains the department’s top priority as the search continues.
Morley is serving a life sentence for his role in the 2022 killing of Cody Birchfield in Carter County. In addition to first-degree murder, Morley was also convicted of abuse of a corpse, tampering with evidence, and aggravated burglary.
A jury found Morley guilty on February 3, and he was later sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole.
Correctional officials have not yet released details regarding how or when Morley escaped from the Lake County prison.
Law enforcement agencies are urging the public not to approach Morley if he is spotted. Anyone who sees him or has information about his whereabouts is asked to call 911 immediately.
The investigation into the escape remains active, and additional information is expected to be released as the search continues.
