Reward jumps to $15,000 as search for escaped killer leaves Illinois town

Jacob Morley, 28, is now the subject of a multi-state search after escaping a Tennessee prison. The reward for information leading to his arrest increased from $2,500 to $15,000 on Wednesday. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation stated that the new sum combines funding from the state governor's office, the bureau, and the U.S. Marshals Service.

Morley was serving a life sentence at the Northwest Correctional Complex in Tiptonville, Tennessee. He was confirmed missing at 11:30 p.m. on Sunday. Staff conducted an emergency count and searched the facility. Security video showed him breaching the perimeter fence while wearing his department uniform. The Tennessee Department of Correction is investigating the specific method of his escape.

Authorities traced a stolen work truck to Marion, Illinois, on Tuesday morning. The truck was found behind a local business. Marion has a population of approximately 16,000 and is located about 100 miles north of Tiptonville. Police Chief David Fitts said investigators found no items near the truck that indicated Morley's next destination. No other vehicles were reported stolen in the town.

Fitts told reporters on Wednesday that there have been no confirmed sightings of Morley. He noted that Morley has no known ties to Marion or southern Illinois. The chief suggested the town may have been a temporary stop along Interstate 57, possibly because Morley needed fuel. "Maybe he was low on gas and just pulled off. I don't know," Fitts said. He added that Morley would be difficult to hide in the community because his image is widely publicized.

Morley was convicted in February 2025 of first-degree murder, abuse of a corpse, tampering with evidence, and aggravated burglary. He also pleaded guilty to theft of property. Court records state that he shot co-worker Cody Birchfield in the back of the head in 2022. Birchfield's body was discovered inside a large metal box located beneath Morley's home.

Carrie Norman, Birchfield's sister, described the escape as feeling like a scary movie. She explained that her family must relive the trauma because they know Morley's capabilities while his current location remains unknown. Fitts urged residents to avoid approaching the suspect directly. "Don't approach him. Call 911. We'll handle it," he said. He expressed confidence that someone will eventually locate Morley.