Multi-state manhunt underway as murder victim's close friend fears escaped killer could strike again
The close friend of a Tennessee murder victim fears his convicted killer could strike again after escaping prison and triggering a multi-state manhunt.
Jacob Allen Morley escaped from the Northwest Correctional Complex in Tiptonville, Tennessee, on Sunday, though officials have not said exactly when he got out. Prison staff discovered Morley was missing around 11:30 p.m., and a subsequent review of surveillance video showed him breaching the facility's perimeter fence.
Around 1 a.m. Monday, surveillance video captured Morley stealing a pickup truck from the 400 block of Keystone Drive, roughly two miles south of the prison, according to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. The white 2008 Ford F-350, bearing Tennessee license plate 138BBQV, has "Lindamood Planting Company" marked on its side.
Morley was sentenced to life in prison after being convicted in 2025 of murdering Cody Birchfield three years earlier.
Diana Reid, one of Birchfield's close childhood friends, told Fox News Digital that she's concerned Morley may hurt more people now that he's on the run.
"He's already been convicted of taking an innocent life. I believe he's extremely dangerous and I'm genuinely concerned that someone else could end up hurt if he's not caught soon," Reid said. "I'm genuinely scared knowing that someone convicted of such a violent crime is out there, not knowing where he's headed. What he's capable of doing next is just frightening."
"He’s got absolutely nothing to lose at this point and someone could become a victim just so he can continue his path to wherever he’s headed," she said.
Reid said Birchfield was "such a kind soul" and "had the biggest heart."
"He was more than just a murder victim, that he was someone who was deeply loved. He had a whole life ahead of him and he was completely robbed of that when he was murdered," Reid said.
FOLLOW THE FOX TRUE CRIME TEAM ON X
As the manhunt for Morley expanded beyond Tennessee, the Missouri State Highway Patrol urged residents to remain alert and check their surveillance cameras for any sign of the escaped inmate.
SIGN UP TO GET THE LATEST TRUE CRIME NEWS
Morley is described as 5 feet, 11 inches tall and weighing 240 pounds, with brown hair and green eyes. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation said he should be "considered dangerous," adding Morley is now on the state's most wanted list.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE FROM THE FOX TRUE CRIME HUB
In addition to the first-degree murder conviction, he was also found guilty of burglary, vandalism, tampering with evidence and evading arrest.
Federal and state law enforcement is assisting to help find Morley, according to officials.
Birchfield disappeared in early February 2022 after he was last seen in Elizabethton, Tennessee. According to WJHL, investigators from the Carter County Sheriff's Office saw indications that a "violent crime" had occurred inside his house.
LISTEN TO THE NEW 'CRIME & JUSTICE WITH DONNA ROTUNNO' PODCAST
WATCH: Escaped Tennessee inmate seen on video stealing truck, officials say
On March 2, 2022, Morley was arrested after a police chase that went to the North Carolina state line. After the arrest, Birchfield's body was found underneath Morley's home.
Morley's former girlfriend, Landree Sheperd, testified at Morley's trial and claimed that the defendant said at one point that "he f---ing killed him."
People with information about Morley's whereabouts are encouraged to contact 844-832-3463.