Escaped Tennessee Inmate Captured in Missouri

Jacob Allen Morley, a 28-year-old inmate who broke out of the Northwest Correctional Complex in Tiptonville, Tennessee, was arrested in Missouri on November 3, authorities said. He had remained at large for over a week since leaving the prison on October 25. Missouri state troopers took him into custody while he was passing through the Kansas City area, officials said; he was arrested without further incident.

Investigators said Morley breached a prison perimeter fence. After escaping, he allegedly stole a Ford F-350 in Tennessee. That truck was later found abandoned in Marion, Illinois, and his whereabouts remained unclear.

The search resumed after authorities in Illinois received a report of another stolen vehicle on November 3. Investigators said Morley took a farm pickup and headed west. Illinois and Tennessee agencies coordinated with federal authorities and Missouri law enforcement, who located him in Missouri.

Morley was serving a life sentence for the 2022 killing of former co-worker Cody Birchfield. He was convicted of murder and other offenses, including aggravated burglary and tampering with evidence. Authorities had promised up to $17,500 for tips that would help secure his arrest.

Officials had not announced details of any escape-related charges or when Morley would be returned to Tennessee.