A massive manhunt is underway in Tennessee after convicted murderer Jacob Allen Morley, who was serving a life sentence, escaped from a maximum-security prison, triggering urgent warnings from authorities.
The 28-year-old inmate reportedly escaped from the Northwest Correctional Complex in Tiptonville, Tennessee, late Sunday night, October 25, 2026.
According to the Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC), prison officials discovered Morley was missing around 11:30 p.m. during a routine security check.
An emergency search was immediately launched, and surveillance footage later revealed that Morley had breached the prison’s perimeter fence while wearing his correctional facility uniform.
Authorities have not disclosed exactly how the convicted killer managed to get through the security barrier.
Morley was serving a life sentence following his conviction for the 2022 murder of Cody Birchfield in Carter County, Tennessee.
Investigators previously discovered Birchfield’s body beneath Morley’s residence after the victim had been reported missing for several weeks.
In addition to first-degree murder, Morley was convicted of aggravated burglary, tampering with evidence, evading arrest and vandalism.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has now placed Morley on its Most Wanted list, warning residents that he should be considered dangerous.
Authorities describe the fugitive as approximately 5 feet 11 inches tall, weighing 240 pounds, with brown hair and green eyes.
Local, state and federal law enforcement agencies have joined forces in the search, with Tennessee Highway Patrol officers deploying aircraft and ground patrol units to track his movements.
Investigators have also searched nearby buildings and structures while urging residents to review security cameras for suspicious activity.
Officials are offering a reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to Morley’s arrest.
Residents have been strongly warned against approaching or attempting to confront the escaped prisoner.
Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts is encouraged to immediately call 911 or contact the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation at 1-800-TBI-FIND.
The dramatic escape has raised fresh concerns about security at correctional institutions and how an inmate serving a life sentence managed to breach a maximum-security facility.
As of the latest official update on October 26, Morley remained the subject of an active manhunt, with authorities racing to locate him before anyone is harmed.
