Authorities are conducting a multi-state search for Jacob Allen Morley, a convicted murderer who escaped from a Tennessee prison and allegedly stole a pickup truck. Morley was serving a life sentence at the Northwest Correctional Complex in Tiptonville when staff discovered he was missing late Sunday. A close friend of his victim said she fears he could harm someone else if he is not captured quickly.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation said Morley breached the facility’s perimeter fence before taking a white Ford F-350 from a location roughly two miles away. The vehicle bears Tennessee license plate 138BBQV and the words “Lindamood Planting Company” on its side. Authorities in Tennessee and Missouri have urged residents to remain alert and review security footage.

Morley, 28, is described as 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighing about 240 pounds, with brown hair and green eyes. Officials consider him dangerous and have placed him on Tennessee’s most wanted list.

Escape from a Tennessee prison

Jacob Allen Morley escaped from the Northwest Correctional Complex in Tiptonville, Tennessee, on Sunday, October 25, although officials have not disclosed the precise time of the escape. Prison staff realized he was missing at approximately 11:30 p.m. A review of surveillance video showed Morley breaching the facility’s perimeter fence, prompting an immediate investigation and regional search.

Morley was incarcerated at the facility while serving a life sentence imposed after his 2025 conviction in the 2022 killing of Cody Birchfield. His escape has brought state and federal law enforcement agencies into the search as authorities work to determine how he left the prison grounds and where he went afterward.

Stolen truck and expanding search

Surveillance footage captured Morley taking a pickup truck at about 1 a.m. Monday from the 400 block of Keystone Drive, approximately two miles south of the prison. Investigators identified the vehicle as a white 2008 Ford F-350 with Tennessee plate 138BBQV. The truck is marked with the name “Lindamood Planting Company,” details intended to help residents and officers identify it.

The search expanded beyond Tennessee after the truck theft, with the Missouri State Highway Patrol asking residents to stay alert and check home or business surveillance systems for possible sightings. Officials have not publicly confirmed Morley’s current location, and the investigation remains active across state lines.

Warning about the potential danger

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation said Morley should be considered dangerous. Authorities describe him as 5 feet 11 inches tall, weighing 240 pounds, with brown hair and green eyes. His status as a convicted murderer and his movement beyond the prison perimeter have led officials to urge the public not to approach him.

Diana Reid, a close childhood friend of Birchfield, said she is worried that Morley could hurt another person while trying to remain free.

“He’s already been convicted of taking an innocent life. I believe he’s extremely dangerous and I’m genuinely concerned that someone else could end up hurt if he’s not caught soon,” Reid said.

Reid described Birchfield as a kind person who was deeply loved, saying his death ended a life that still had many years ahead of it. She also said the possibility of Morley remaining at large has intensified the fear felt by people connected to the victim.

Murder conviction and case history

Birchfield disappeared in early February 2022 after he was last seen at his home in Elizabethton, Tennessee. Investigators with the Carter County Sheriff’s Office found indications that a violent crime had occurred inside the residence. Morley was arrested on March 2, 2022, following a police pursuit that reached the North Carolina state line.

After Morley’s arrest, Birchfield’s body was found underneath Morley’s home. A former girlfriend, Landree Sheperd, testified at trial that Morley had said he had killed Birchfield. In addition to first-degree murder, Morley was convicted of burglary, vandalism, tampering with evidence and evading arrest before receiving a life sentence.

Public information and safety guidance

Officials are asking anyone with information about Morley’s whereabouts to contact the designated tip line at 844-832-3463. Residents who see the suspect or the truck should provide the location and relevant details to law enforcement rather than attempting to intervene.

The continuing investigation involves state and federal agencies. Reviewing surveillance footage, reporting suspicious activity and sharing accurate information with investigators could assist efforts to establish Morley’s route and locate him. Authorities have not announced a capture or provided a confirmed destination for the stolen vehicle.

Summary

The search for Jacob Allen Morley remains active after his escape from a Tennessee correctional complex and the reported theft of a pickup truck. Authorities consider the convicted murderer dangerous and are coordinating across state lines to locate him. Residents are being asked to remain vigilant, avoid contact and report credible information through the official tip line.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Jacob Allen Morley?

Jacob Allen Morley is a 28-year-old Tennessee inmate serving a life sentence after being convicted of murdering Cody Birchfield in 2025.

When and where did Morley escape?

Morley escaped from the Northwest Correctional Complex in Tiptonville, Tennessee, on Sunday, October 25. Staff discovered he was missing around 11:30 p.m.

What vehicle did authorities say he stole?

Authorities said Morley stole a white 2008 Ford F-350 bearing Tennessee plate 138BBQV. The truck is marked with the words “Lindamood Planting Company.”

How can the public provide information?

Anyone with information about Morley’s whereabouts should contact the tip line at 844-832-3463 and should not approach him.

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