FIRST ON FOX: A convicted murderer managed to escape from a Tennessee prison, having gained at least a five-hour head start before local authorities were alerted, according to the police chief.
Jacob Allen Morley broke out of the Northwest Correctional Complex in Tiptonville, Tennessee, on a Sunday, though officials haven’t specified when exactly he made his escape.
The prison staff realized around 11:30 p.m. that Morley was missing. After reviewing surveillance footage, they saw him crossing through the prison’s perimeter fence. Tennessee Highway Patrol dispatch audio indicated he was last spotted at the facility at approximately 4 p.m. on Sunday.
Footage later captured Morley stealing a pickup truck from a location about two miles south of the prison around 1 a.m. Monday. Authorities found the abandoned truck in Marion, Illinois, early Tuesday, but Morley himself was still unaccounted for.
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Tiptonville Police Chief Joe England stated that his department wasn’t informed about the inmate’s potential absence until 4:40 a.m. on Monday—over five hours after prison staff first became aware of the situation. Officers then came to the prison, and by 5:14 a.m., they confirmed to the department that Morley had indeed escaped.
At 6:20 a.m., prison officials notified Lake County Central Dispatch of the confirmed escape, which prompted a wider search in the surrounding area.
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England explained that his department learned about the stolen truck at 2:15 p.m. on Monday, with confirmation following at 2:30 p.m. Notably, the truck was not taken within city limits.
Timeline of Events:
- Sunday, Oct. 25
- 4 p.m.: Morley’s last known location as per dispatch audio.
- 11:30 p.m.: Staff confirm Morley is unaccounted for.
- Monday, Oct. 26
- 1 a.m.: Pickup truck theft occurs.
- 4:40 a.m.: First report of missing inmate reaches dispatch.
- 5:14 a.m.: Escape confirmed by officers.
- 6:20 a.m.: Formal notification of escape sent to dispatch.
- 2:15 p.m.: Police first learn of missing truck.
- 2:30 p.m.: Truck theft confirmed.
- Tuesday, Oct. 27
- 10 a.m.: Authorities notified that truck was found abandoned.
A Tennessee Bureau of Investigation spokesperson mentioned they were made aware of the escape on Monday morning but did not provide a specific time. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office did not respond to inquiries on when they were first alerted.
Cameron Lindsay, a former federal prison warden, criticized the delay in notifying police, asserting that proper emergency protocols should have been activated as soon as the inmate was reported missing. He emphasized how critical it is for law enforcement to be notified immediately in such situations, deeming the delay very troubling.
Retired FBI Special Agent Jonathan Gilliam echoed these concerns, suggesting that an emergency alert should have been sent to the community. He pointed out that as Morley could pose a real threat, it was crucial to ensure residents were aware as soon as possible.
The reward for information leading to Morley’s capture has now reached $15,000, with contributions from the governor’s office, U.S. Marshals, and the TBI.
Morley is described as standing 5 feet, 11 inches tall, weighing 240 pounds, with brown hair and green eyes. Authorities have labeled him as dangerous and noted he is now on the state’s most-wanted list.
In addition to his murder conviction, he was found guilty of several other charges, including burglary and tampering with evidence. Morley was sentenced to life in prison for the 2022 murder of Cody Birchfield, whose body was discovered following a police chase leading to Morley’s arrest.
Notably, Morley’s escape comes at a sensitive time for the Tennessee Department of Correction, which recently dealt with issues surrounding a failed execution attempt.
Anyone with information regarding Morley’s whereabouts is encouraged to reach out to authorities.
