Authorities announced Wednesday that Jacob Morley, a 28‑year‑old inmate serving a life sentence for first‑degree murder in Tennessee, was taken into custody near Kansas City, Missouri. Morley escaped from the Northwest Correctional Complex on Oct. 25 by slipping through a fence in prison clothing and has been on the run for more than a week.
Manhunt and capture
State troopers in Missouri located Morley after reviewing roadside camera footage and deploying a helicopter. The suspect’s pickup truck became mired in mud, allowing officers to approach and arrest him without incident. Two rifles and a shotgun were recovered from the vehicle.
Law enforcement believes Morley traveled to a farm near Marion, Illinois, about 127 miles (204 kilometers) from the prison, where he spent time in a shed used by hunters. Investigators say he drank beer, prepared garlic bread and other food, and left an apologetic handwritten note after stealing a truck from the farm.
Evidence of additional theft
In addition to the firearms recovered from the truck, Morley is suspected of stealing clothing and the three guns from the Illinois property. He is also believed to have abandoned a second truck after walking roughly three miles (five kilometers) to the farm.
Security cameras captured Morley walking away from the abandoned truck and at several points along Route 13. The rural terrain of fields and woods likely helped him avoid detection, according to Williamson County Sheriff Jeff Diederich.
Law‑enforcement response
Missouri State Highway Patrol received a tip that Morley might be traveling west on Interstate 70 near Kansas City. When officers made contact, Morley complied with commands and was taken without resistance.
He was transported to the Lafayette County Jail in Lexington, Missouri. The Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office has not yet commented on the case, and no charges have been filed in Missouri courts at this time.
Potential charges and next steps
Tennessee District Attorney General Danny Goodman Jr. said Morley could face additional charges in Missouri, Illinois, and possibly federal court. Goodman indicated that prosecutors are reviewing the evidence and will determine when to file further indictments. It remains unclear when Morley will be returned to Tennessee to serve his original sentence.
Morley was originally convicted of killing co‑worker Cody Birchfield in 2022. Birchfield’s body was discovered in a box under Morley’s home after a period of disappearance. The conviction included first‑degree murder, aggravated burglary, tampering with evidence, vandalism and evading arrest.
Background on the escape
According to a spokesperson for the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, Kim Wheeler‑Elder, all available information regarding Morley’s whereabouts while he was on the run has been released to the public. The escape highlighted gaps in prison perimeter security and prompted a multi‑state response from law‑enforcement agencies.
Authorities continue to investigate how Morley managed to travel such a distance and whether any assistance was provided. Sheriff Diederich emphasized that, at present, there is no evidence of outside help.
Original reporting: NBC4 Los Angeles — read the source article.
