Manhunt for escaped Tennessee murder convict crosses state lines after the truck he stole is found abandoned in Illinois

Manhunt for Escaped Tennessee Murder Convict Spreads to Illinois

Activelifezero.com – The manhunt for escaped Tennessee murder convict Jacob Morley has expanded across state lines after the pickup truck authorities say he stole following his prison escape was found abandoned in southern Illinois. Morley, 28, remains at large.

Authorities located the white 2008 Ford F-350 with Tennessee license plates early Tuesday in Marion, Illinois. Investigators said Morley stole the truck after escaping from the Northwest Correctional Complex in Tiptonville late Sunday.

The abandoned vehicle has given investigators another point in the timeline, but officials have not said where Morley went after leaving it in Marion or whether he is still in Illinois. Law enforcement agencies in surrounding states have been alerted as the search continues.

“Our law enforcement partners in surrounding states have been notified to be on the lookout,” the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation said.

Escape prompts multistate search

Morley escaped through a fence at the Northwest Correctional Complex late Sunday, according to the Tennessee Department of Correction. Staff discovered he was missing at about 11:30 p.m.

Security footage showed Morley breaching the prison’s perimeter fence while wearing his prison uniform, authorities said. He later traveled to Lake County, where the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation said he stole the Ford truck early Monday.

The manhunt for escaped Tennessee murder convict has involved local, state and federal agencies. Illinois State Police said it was aware of the case and had offered assistance to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.

Morley has been added to the TBI’s Most Wanted list. A combined $15,000 reward is being offered through the Tennessee Governor’s Office, the TBI and the US Marshals Service for information that leads to his arrest.

Residents in Marion have expressed concern following the truck’s discovery. Bridget Lawler, a local attorney, said people were taking extra precautions at home.

“It’s a scary time. Everybody is locking their car doors now. I know my husband checked all of our doors before he went to bed.”

Another Marion resident, Lachelle Hartline, said she learned about the situation through social media rather than a notice from local authorities.

“No one that I have talked to has mentioned seeing it either. We only got information through Facebook.”

Conviction renewed grief for victim’s family

Morley was serving a life sentence after convictions for first-degree murder, aggravated burglary, tampering with evidence, evading arrest and vandalism. His escape has renewed anguish for the family of Cody Birchfield, the man Morley was convicted of killing.

Birchfield was reported missing in February 2022, and his body was found weeks later inside a box beneath Morley’s home. Family members said the conviction had provided some reassurance before the escape reopened painful memories.

“A small sense of closure and the reassurance that justice had been served,” a cousin of Birchfield’s said.

The family has asked the public to focus on safety and share information that could help authorities locate Morley. They also want Birchfield remembered for his life and character.

“Above all, we want Cody to be remembered not for the tragedy of his death, but for the warmth, kindness, and decency of his life.”

FAQ: What Illinois and Tennessee residents should know

What should residents do if they see Morley or the stolen truck? Authorities have urged the public not to approach Morley. Anyone with potentially relevant information should contact law enforcement immediately.

Where was the truck found? The white 2008 Ford F-350 was found abandoned in Marion, Illinois, early Tuesday.

Is the search limited to Illinois? No. The manhunt for escaped Tennessee murder convict began in Tennessee and now involves agencies across state lines because Morley’s location remains unknown.

Is there a reward? Yes. Authorities have announced a combined $15,000 reward for information leading to Morley’s arrest.