Reward for escaped Tennessee murderer rises to $17,500 as manhunt spans multiple states

Jacob Allen Morley, a convicted murderer serving a life sentence, is on the run after escaping from a West Tennessee prison. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has raised the combined reward for information leading to his capture to $17,500. The amount includes $7,500 from the Tennessee Governor’s Office, $5,000 from the TBI, and $5,000 from the U.S. Marshals Service.

Morley escaped early Monday from the Northwest Correctional Complex in Lake County. He stole a white Ford truck with a flatbed marked Lindamood Planting Company. Law enforcement later found the abandoned vehicle in Marion, Illinois. The TBI initially reported Morley’s last confirmed location there as Tuesday morning but corrected the timeline to Monday morning. Authorities state his current location is unknown.

Morley was convicted of first-degree murder, abuse of a corpse, tampering with evidence, and aggravated burglary. The charges stem from the 2022 killing of Cody Birchfield in Carter County. He is serving a life sentence with the possibility of parole. Officials consider him dangerous and have asked residents in Tennessee and neighboring states to remain alert.

Investigators are reviewing a separate incident in Dane County, Wisconsin. Authorities say a gunman robbed the Bank of Deerfield, restrained two employees, and took cash. The suspect then fled in a Lincoln MKZ found empty in a nearby parking lot. The TBI is aware of the robbery but has not confirmed a link to Morley.

The TBI, U.S. Marshals Service, and local and federal partners are investigating leads across state lines. The agency urges residents to inspect vacation homes, lake houses, hunting cabins, sheds, barns, and garages for anything out of place. It also encourages people to check on elderly relatives and vulnerable neighbors. Anyone who spots Morley should not approach him and should call 911 immediately. The public can report information by calling 1-800-TBI-FIND.