Tennessee Murderer Captured After Nine-Day Manhunt in Missouri
Jacob Morley, who escaped from a Tennessee prison, was apprehended near Kansas City after nearly a week on the run.
Jacob Morley, the murderer who escaped from a Tennessee prison last month, has been captured after a nine-day manhunt near Kansas City, Missouri. Morley, 28, was seen slipping through a fence at the Northwest Correctional Complex in Tiptonville, Tennessee, while still clad in his prison uniform, marking the beginning of his brief but eventful escape.125
The manhunt, which spanned nine days, culminated in Morley's capture on November 3, 2026, just over a week after he fled the correctional facility. This swift resolution to the search came as a relief to law enforcement officials, who had been tracking Morley's movements closely since his daring escape.256
Morley's journey began on October 25, 2026, when he made his break from the Northwest Correctional Complex, where he was serving a life sentence for the murder of Cody Birchfield, abuse of a corpse, tampering with evidence, and aggravated burglary. The victim's body was discovered in a large metal box beneath Morley's residence, adding a chilling detail to the case.4
During his trial, Morley maintained that the killing was an act of self-defense, but the jury did not agree, sentencing him to life in prison. Despite this, Morley managed to evade justice for a short time, leading authorities to add him to the Tennessee Most Wanted list and consider him dangerous.4
The truck used by Morley during his escape was found in Marion, Illinois, approximately 150 miles north of Tiptonville, Tennessee, indicating that he had traveled a considerable distance before being caught.1
Tiptonville, the location of the prison, is a small town with around 3,500 residents, situated roughly 100 miles north of Memphis. Its close-knit community likely felt the impact of Morley's escape keenly, as the local prison became the center of national attention.4
What we know
- Jacob Morley escaped from a Tennessee prison. 123456
- He was captured over a week after his escape near Kansas City, Missouri. 134
- The manhunt lasted for nine days. 256
- Morley was seen escaping the prison by slipping through a fence while wearing his prison uniform. 1
- The escape occurred on October 25, 2026, from the Northwest Correctional Complex in Tiptonville, Tennessee. 4
- Morley was convicted in 2025 of murder, abuse of a corpse, tampering with evidence, and aggravated burglary. 4
- The victim, Cody Birchfield, was killed in 2022. 4
- Birchfield's body was found in a large metal box under Morley’s residence. 4
- Morley claimed self-defense during the trial but was sentenced to life in prison following his conviction. 4
- Morley was 28 years old at the time of his capture. 34
- The truck was found in Marion, Illinois, about 150 miles north of Tiptonville, Tennessee. 1
- Tiptonville is a town with approximately 3,500 residents, located roughly 100 miles north of Memphis. 4
- Morley was added to the Tennessee Most Wanted list and considered dangerous. 4
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Trust Score report
- confirmed
Jacob Morley escaped from a Tennessee prison.
97% · supported by 6 - confirmed
Jacob Morley was captured over a week after his escape near Kansas City, Missouri.
93% · supported by 3 - likely
The manhunt lasted for nine days.
71% · supported by 3 - likely
Morley was seen escaping the prison by slipping through a fence while wearing his prison uniform.
71% · supported by 1 - likely
The escape occurred on October 25, 2026, from the Northwest Correctional Complex in Tiptonville, Tennessee.
71% · supported by 1 - likely
Morley was convicted in 2025 of murder, abuse of a corpse, tampering with evidence, and aggravated burglary.
71% · supported by 1 - likely
The victim, Cody Birchfield, was killed in 2022.
71% · supported by 1 - likely
Birchfield's body was found in a large metal box under Morley’s residence.
71% · supported by 1 - likely
Morley claimed self-defense during the trial but was sentenced to life in prison following his conviction.
71% · supported by 1 - unverified
Morley stole a white 2008 Ford F-350 with Tennessee plates shortly after his escape.
50% · supported by 1, contradicted by 1 - confirmed
Morley was 28 years old at the time of his capture.
85% · supported by 2 - likely
The truck was found in Marion, Illinois, about 150 miles north of Tiptonville, Tennessee.
71% · supported by 1 - likely
Tiptonville is a town with approximately 3,500 residents, located roughly 100 miles north of Memphis.
71% · supported by 1 - likely
Morley was added to the Tennessee Most Wanted list and considered dangerous.
71% · supported by 1
Follow-up checks
- Nov 03, 18:50 UTC 75% −1 · 6 outlets +3 · 3 confirmed, 10 likely, 1 unverified update: 6 outlets (+3 since first report)
- Nov 03, 18:29 UTC 76% · 3 outlets · 5 confirmed, 2 likely, 3 unverified first report
Sources & references
- CBS News U.S. — Tennessee murderer captured over a week after escaping prison
- WFAA (Texas) — Escaped Tennessee prisoner captured in Missouri after 9-day manhunt
- ABC News — Tennessee escaped murderer caught near Kansas City
- NBC News — Escaped Tennessee inmate captured, authorities say
- KVUE (Austin) — Escaped Tennessee prisoner captured in Missouri after 9-day manhunt
- 10TV (Columbus) — Escaped Tennessee prisoner captured in Missouri after 9-day manhunt
