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Convicted Murderer Escapes Tennessee Prison
· Confirmed
In Short: A convicted murderer serving a life sentence for killing his co-worker has escaped from a maximum-security prison in Tennessee, authorities confirmed.
A convicted murderer serving a life sentence for killing his co-worker has escaped from a maximum-security prison in Tennessee, authorities confirmed. Jacob Allen Morley, 28, was last seen breaching the perimeter fence at the Northwest Correctional Complex in Tiptonville sometime before 11:30 p.m. Sunday, according to multiple news outlets.
Morley, who was convicted of murdering Cody Birchfield, 34, in 2022, was captured on security camera footage leaving the facility while still wearing his prison uniform. The Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC) launched an emergency count and search of the facility immediately after Morley's escape.
Security video showed Morley breaching a fence while still in his prison clothing. He was later seen stealing a white heavy-duty pickup truck on the 400 block of Keystone Drive, roughly two miles south of the prison, according to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.
Morley's escape has prompted a manhunt involving federal and state law enforcement agencies. Authorities are searching for Morley and have asked residents in the area to review home security and surveillance systems for potential sightings.
"Anyone who encounters or believes they have spotted Morley should not approach, confront, or attempt to apprehend him," said TDOC in a statement. Instead, residents are advised to immediately dial 911 and provide any relevant information to law enforcement.
The Northwest Correctional Complex, where Morley was incarcerated, is a maximum-security prison with an operating capacity to house 1,776 male inmates. However, an audit in 2023 found the prison was struggling to fill open positions, with a 61% vacancy rate for correctional officers.
"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.
Morley was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of Cody Birchfield, whose body was discovered buried underneath Morley's home in March 2022.
The escape highlights ongoing security issues at Tennessee prisons, as Morley was able to slip through a fence and steal a vehicle to escape.
"Authorities are searching for 28-year-old Jacob Morley, a convicted murderer who escaped from a Tennessee prison," said TDOC in a statement.
"Hornbeak Fire Department, located in West Tennessee, said the escapee was seen passing the fire department at 1:18 a.m. on Monday evening," according to ABC7 Chicago.
"cleared buildings and structures in the surrounding area," said ABC7 Chicago.
What this adds
Morley's escape highlights ongoing security issues at Tennessee prisons, as reported by WarpBeat.
Background
Morley's escape highlights ongoing security issues at Tennessee prisons.
What's confirmed
- Tennessee, Oct 27: Authorities in Tennessee have launched a manhunt for a convicted murderer who escaped from prison, allegedly stole a work truck and remains at large.
- A review of security camera footage confirmed that Morley breached the perimeter fence and left the facility wearing his prison uniform, the department said in a statement on Monday.
- Surveillance footage shows convicted murderer Jacob Allen Morley inside Northwest Correctional Complex before his escape Sunday.
- Sunday and immediately conducted an emergency count and search of the facility.
- Authorities are searching for 28-year-old Jacob Morley, a convicted murderer who escaped from a Tennessee prison, the Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC) announced 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.
- "Anyone who encounters or believes they have spotted Morley should not approach, confront, or attempt to apprehend him," Avery said in a statement Monday.
- "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.
What's still developing
- - Tennessee prison officials halted the lethal injection of Christa Gail Pike on Wednesday in Nashville after the 50-year-old woman continued to breathe and snore for more than an hour during the procedure.
- But witnesses said she was still alive and audibly snoring after the injections and was taken by ambulance from the prison to a nearby hospital, according to the newspaper.
- Lawyers for Tennessee murderer Christa Pike said she has been released from the hospital after her recent lethal injection in the death chamber failed to kill her.
- The sale by the GEO Group, a Florida-based government contractor, follows a $1.5-billion sale over the summer of two other California detention facilities by GEO’s competitor, CoreCivic of Tennessee.
- Two U.S. officials later confirmed he and Kushner were visiting Energy Department facilities at Oak Ridge.