Convicted murderer escapes Tennessee prison: Authorities

Convicted killer escapes Tennessee prisonA convicted killer serving a life sentence escaped from a Tennessee prison. Security footage shows 28-year-old Jacob Morley breaching a fence and fleeing in his prison uniform, officials said.

Morley, who is serving a life sentence, escaped from the Northwest Correctional Complex, the agency said.

"At approximately 11:30 p.m. on October 25, 2026, staff at NWCX confirmed Morley was unaccounted for and immediately conducted an emergency count and search of the facility," the agency said.

Security cameras "confirmed Morley breached the perimeter fence and exited the facility in his TDOC uniform," officials said.

On Monday, authorities released a photo of a truck sought in connection with the inmate. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) said newly obtained footage "shows Morley stealing a white 2008 Ford F-350, Tennessee tag 138BBQV" at approximately 1 a.m. Monday from the 400 block of Keystone Drive.

The truck has an air compressor in the bed and is marked with Lindamood Planting Company on the side, according to TBI.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation released a photo of a truck sought in connection with escaped inmate Jacob Allen Morley.
Tennessee Bureau of Investigation
TDOC said it is working with local, state and federal law enforcement to apprehend Morley.

"TDOC is committed to protecting the safety of the public and is asking the community to immediately contact law enforcement with any sightings or information," the agency said in a statement.

According to TDOC, Morley was serving a life sentence for a conviction in Carter County, Tennessee, for crimes including first-degree murder, aggravated burglary, tampering with evidence, evading arrest and vandalism.

TBI announced Monday that Morley was added to the state's Most Wanted list, and offered a reward up to $2,500 for information leading to his arrest.

Morley "should be considered dangerous," TBI said.

Authorities are asking residents in the area to review "home security and doorbell cameras, trail and hunting cameras, and other surveillance systems" for potential sightings.

TDOC said authorities have "cleared buildings and structures in the surrounding area."

The Tennessee Highway Patrol is also joining the search effort, according to TDOC, with aviation assets and state troopers helping the search.

The Tennessee Department of Correction released information on Jacob Morley.
Tennessee Department of Corrections
A wanted poster from the TDOC describes Morley as 5 feet, 11 inches tall and weighing 240 pounds with green eyes and brown hair.

Sheriff Bryan Avery of the Lake County Sheriff's Office, where the prison is located, asked the public to remain "vigilant and exercise caution."

"Anyone who encounters or believes they have spotted Morley should not approach, confront, or attempt to apprehend him," Avery said in a statement Monday. "Instead, immediately dial 911 and provide any relevant information to law enforcement."

Northwest Correctional Complex, located in Tiptonville, Tennessee, is a prison with "the operating capacity to house 1,776 male inmates with custody levels ranging from minimum to close," according to the Tennessee Department of Correction.

Morley was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of a previously missing man whose body was discovered buried underneath Morley's home in March 2022, according to WJHL.