Convicted murderer escapes Tennessee prison: Authorities
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.
Morley, who is serving a life sentence, escaped from the Northwest Correctional Complex, the agency said.
"At approximately 11:30 p.m. on October 25, 2026, staff at NWCX confirmed Morley was unaccounted for and immediately conducted an emergency count and search of the facility," the agency said.
Security cameras "confirmed Morley breached the perimeter fence and exited the facility in his TDOC uniform," officials said.
"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," TDOC said in a statement.
The agency said it is working with local, state and federal law enforcement to apprehend Morley.
The Tennessee Department of Correction released information on Jacob Morley.
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According to the agency, Morley was serving a life sentence for a conviction in Carter County, Tennessee, for crimes including first-degree murder, aggravated burglary, tampering with evidence, evading arrest and vandalism.
A wanted poster from the TDOC describes Morley as 5 feet, 11 inches tall and weighing 240 pounds with green eyes and brown hair.
"If you have any information regarding the whereabouts of Jacob Morley, please contact the Tennessee Department of Correction at 1-844-832-3463 or 911," the poster read.
The Tennessee Department of Correction released information on Jacob Morley.
Tennessee Department of Correction's
Sheriff Bryan Avery of the Lake County Sheriff's Office, where the prison is located, asked the public to remain "vigilant and exercise caution."
"Anyone who encounters or believes they have spotted Morley should not approach, confront, or attempt to apprehend him," Avery said in a statement 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.
According to ABC News Tennessee affiliate WJHL, Morley was found guilty of murder in 2022.
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