Manhunt Continues for Tennessee Prison Escapee Jacob Allen Morley
A 28-year-old inmate escaped from Northwest Correctional Complex in Tiptonville, Tennessee, sparking a search that has led investigators to Marion, Illinois.
A manhunt is currently underway for Jacob Allen Morley, a 28-year-old prisoner who made a daring escape from the Northwest Correctional Complex in Tiptonville, Tennessee on Sunday, October 29, 2026. Morley managed to slip away through a fence, leaving behind a trail that led authorities to a small town in southern Illinois.
The escapee was last seen driving a stolen truck, which was eventually located in Marion, Illinois, roughly 100 miles north of his place of origin. This discovery prompted local law enforcement to increase their efforts in searching for Morley, though no confirmed sightings of him have yet been reported in Marion.
In addition to the physical evidence left behind, the case took a tragic turn when it was revealed that Cody Birchfield, a co-worker of Morley, had lost his life due to a gunshot wound to the back of the head. His body was found in a large metal box underneath Morley’s former residence, adding a somber note to the unfolding drama.
The search for Morley has garnered significant attention, with the initial reward for information leading to his capture set at $2,500. This amount was subsequently raised to $15,000, reflecting the urgency felt by both local and state authorities to bring the fugitive to justice.
Marion, where the stolen vehicle was found, is a town with around 16,000 residents. However, Morley reportedly has no known connections to the area or southern Illinois, making his presence there somewhat mysterious.
Meanwhile, the security lapse that allowed Morley to escape is now under scrutiny by the Tennessee Department of Correction. As they investigate the breach, officials aim to ensure such incidents do not happen again in the future.
What We Know
- A manhunt is underway for Jacob Allen Morley, who escaped from Northwest Correctional Complex in Tiptonville, Tennessee. 13
- Morley is 28 years old. 13
- He escaped on Sunday, October 29, 2026. 13
- The truck he stole was found in Marion, Illinois, approximately 100 miles north of Tiptonville. 13
- The reward for information leading to his capture was initially $2,500 and was later increased to $15,000. 13
- Cody Birchfield, Morley's co-worker, died from a gunshot wound to the back of the head. 13
- Birchfield's body was found in a large metal box beneath Morley's residence. 3
- The security breach at the Northwest Correctional Complex is being investigated by the Tennessee Department of Correction. 3
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Verification report
- confirmed
A manhunt is underway for Jacob Allen Morley, who escaped from Northwest Correctional Complex in Tiptonville, Tennessee.
87% · supported by 2 - confirmed
Jacob Allen Morley is 28 years old.
87% · supported by 2 - confirmed
Morley escaped on Sunday, October 29, 2026.
87% · supported by 2 - confirmed
The truck Morley stole was found in Marion, Illinois, approximately 100 miles north of Tiptonville, Tennessee.
87% · supported by 2 - confirmed
The initial reward for information leading to Morley's capture was $2,500, which was later increased to $15,000.
87% · supported by 2 - confirmed
Cody Birchfield, Morley's co-worker, died from a gunshot wound to the back of the head.
87% · supported by 2 - likely
Marion is a town with around 16,000 residents.
71% · supported by 1 - likely
No confirmed sightings of Morley have been reported in Marion.
71% · supported by 1 - likely
Morley has no known connections to Marion or southern Illinois.
71% · supported by 1 - likely
Birchfield's body was discovered in a large metal box beneath Morley's residence.
71% · supported by 1 - likely
The security breach at the Northwest Correctional Complex is under investigation by the Tennessee Department of Correction.
71% · supported by 1 - unverified
Security camera footage showed Morley stealing a work car from a nearby farm.
53% · supported by 1, contradicted by 1 - unverified
Morley was convicted of first-degree murder in 2022 and sentenced to life in prison in 2025.
53% · supported by 1, contradicted by 1 - unverified
Morley was convicted of additional crimes including vandalism, tampering with evidence, aggravated burglary, and evading arrest.
53% · supported by 1, contradicted by 1 - unverified
Another prisoner, Gregory Redden, escaped but was quickly recaptured earlier in October 2026.
53% · supported by 1, contradicted by 1
