Jacob Morley Added to Tennessee Most Wanted List After Escaping Lake County Prison
LAKE COUNTY, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) – Tennessee authorities have released new information about an escaped inmate serving a life sentence for murder, including details about a stolen vehicle believed to have been used during his getaway.
The Tennessee Department of Correction and Tennessee Bureau of Investigation are searching for Jacob Morley, who escaped from the Northwest Correctional Complex in Lake County early Monday morning.
According to the TBI, Morley stole a white 2008 Ford F-350 pickup truck around 1 a.m. Monday during the escape. The truck was taken from the 400 block of Keystone Drive in Lake County.
Investigators said the vehicle bears Tennessee license plate 138BBQV and has “Lindamood Planting Company” marked on its side.
The TBI also released surveillance footage that allegedly shows Morley stealing the truck shortly after escaping from the prison facility.
Morley is serving a life sentence with the possibility of parole for the 2022 murder of Cody Birchfield in Carter County. In addition to first-degree murder, he was convicted of:
- Abuse of a corpse
- Tampering with evidence
- Aggravated burglary
Morley was found guilty on Feb. 3 and sentenced to life in prison.
Following the escape, the TBI added Morley to its Tennessee Most Wanted List and warned the public that he should be considered dangerous.
Law enforcement agencies across the region are assisting in the search.
Officials are offering a reward of up to $2,500 for information that leads to Morley’s arrest.
Anyone who sees Morley or has information about his whereabouts is urged not to approach him. Instead, authorities ask people to call 911 immediately or contact the TBI at 1-800-TBI-FIND.
The investigation and manhunt remain ongoing.
searching for Jacob Morley, who escaped from the Northwest Correctional Complex in Lake County (WVLT)
searching for Jacob Morley, who escaped from the Northwest Correctional Complex in Lake County (WVLT)
UPDATE: Convicted Murderer Jacob Morley Sought After Escape from Northwest Correctional Complex
LAKE COUNTY, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) – State and local law enforcement agencies are searching for an escaped inmate who was serving a life sentence for murder after he reportedly escaped from the Northwest Correctional Complex in Lake County.
The Tennessee Department of Correction identified the inmate as Jacob Morley, who escaped from the state prison facility. TDOC officials said they are working closely with multiple law enforcement agencies to locate him and return him to custody.
Authorities emphasized that public safety remains their top priority as the search continues.
Following the escape, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation added Morley to the agency’s Most Wanted List. Investigators warn that he should be considered dangerous.
Morley is serving a life sentence with the possibility of parole following his conviction in the 2022 killing of Cody Birchfield in Carter County.
Court records show Morley was found guilty on February 3 and convicted of:
- First-degree murder
- Abuse of a corpse
- Tampering with evidence
- Aggravated burglary
He was subsequently sentenced to life in prison.
Law enforcement agencies have not released details about how the escape occurred or where Morley may be headed.
A reward of up to $2,500 is being offered for information that leads directly to his arrest.
Officials urge anyone who spots Morley or has information about his whereabouts not to approach him. Instead, they are asked to call 911 immediately or contact the TBI at 1-800-TBI-FIND.
The investigation and search remain ongoing.
ORIGINAL STORY: 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.
