Escaped Killer's Stolen Truck Found Abandoned in Illinois, Manhunt Continues
Jacob Morley escaped a Tennessee prison and stole a truck, which was later found abandoned in Illinois. Authorities warn he is dangerous.
A multi-state manhunt for escaped convicted killer Jacob Morley has intensified after investigators located his stolen vehicle. The landscaping truck Morley stole was found abandoned in Marion, Illinois, more than 140 miles from the prison, according to NBC News [1]. Authorities confirmed the white 2008 Ford F-350 had been left behind, though the search for Morley remains active.
Morley, who was serving a life sentence for the murder of his coworker Cody Birchfield, escaped the Northwest Correctional Complex in Lake County, Tennessee, on Sunday, October 25. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) reported that surveillance footage captured Morley stealing the truck from the facility around 1 a.m. on Monday, October 26 [2]. The vehicle belonged to Lindamood Planting Company, a local farming business.
According to the TBI, the truck was discovered abandoned in Marion, Illinois, on Tuesday, October 27 [2]. This location places the vehicle significantly north of the prison, raising questions about Morley’s current whereabouts. The agency stated that the truck was found approximately 100 to 120 miles from the correctional complex, while NBC News noted the distance was over 140 miles [1].
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has increased the reward for information leading to Morley’s arrest to $15,000 [2]. Officials warned the public to stay vigilant, describing Morley as “dangerous.” This assessment is echoed by Carrie Norman, sister of the victim, who told NBC News that if Morley gets a weapon, he will kill someone [1].
Morley slipped past a fence at the prison in his uniform, with officials discovering his absence around 11:30 p.m. on the night of his escape, per The Associated Press [2]. He was previously convicted in 2025 for first-degree murder, abuse of a corpse, tampering with evidence, and aggravated burglary. Birchfield’s remains were recovered in March 2022 from a metal container buried beneath Morley’s residence, following an alleged robbery that turned fatal.
Daniel Russell, Birchfield’s childhood best friend, told WMC-TV that Morley is a “monster” who will likely strike again [2]. As the manhunt continues, authorities urge anyone with information to contact the TBI at 1-800-TBI-FIND. The case remains a high-priority search across multiple states.
Sources
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