Search Expands for Escaped Killer After Stolen Truck Is Found in Illinois
A statewide search continues for Jacob Morley, a convicted killer who escaped from prison and may have left the area where a stolen truck was discovered.
Truck Found Far From the Prison
Morley, 28, was serving a life sentence at a correctional facility in Tiptonville, Tennessee. He escaped from the prison after getting outside the security fence while wearing a state prison uniform.
Investigators believe Morley took a work truck after leaving the facility. The vehicle was later found behind a business in Marion, Illinois, a town of about 16,000 people located roughly 100 miles north of the prison.
Marion Police Chief David Fitts said there is no known reason for Morley to visit the town. Police have found no connection between Morley and Marion or the surrounding area of southern Illinois.
The town sits along Interstate 57, a major road that runs through the region. Fitts said Morley may have stopped in Marion because he needed fuel or wanted to leave the main highway. Investigators do not know why he abandoned the truck.
No Confirmed Sightings in Marion
Police have not found another stolen vehicle in Marion. They also found no clear evidence near the truck that would show where Morley went next.
No confirmed sightings of Morley have been reported in the town. Fitts said the lack of activity suggests Morley may have continued traveling, although the search in Marion remains active.
Because Morley’s picture has been widely shared, the police chief believes it would be difficult for him to stay in the area without being recognized.
Fitts urged residents to remain alert but warned them not to approach Morley if they see him. Anyone who believes they have spotted him should call 911 and allow law enforcement officers to respond.
- Morley may be traveling in another vehicle.
- There is no known connection between him and Marion.
- No confirmed sighting has been made in the town.
- Residents should avoid contact and call 911.
Conviction in a Fatal Shooting
Morley was convicted of first-degree murder, abuse of a corpse, tampering with evidence and aggravated burglary. He also pleaded guilty to stealing property.
The case involved the killing of his co-worker, Cody Birchfield. Birchfield was shot in the back of the head. His body was later found inside a large metal box beneath Morley’s home.
Birchfield’s sister, Carrie Norman, described the escape as a frightening experience for the family. She said relatives are being forced to relive the pain of the killing while worrying about where Morley may be and what he could do next.
“You don’t know where he’s at, but you know what he’s capable of,” Norman said.
Reward Increased for Information
The reward for information that leads to Morley’s arrest has increased from $2,500 to $15,000. The money comes from several state and federal law enforcement groups working together on the search.
Investigators are asking people to report useful information as soon as possible. Tips may include sightings, details about vehicles, places Morley may have visited or anyone who may have helped him.
Police continue to examine the abandoned truck and review possible travel routes. The location of the vehicle has not confirmed whether Morley remained in Illinois or moved into another state.
Prison Escape Under Investigation
Prison employees discovered that Morley was missing during an emergency prisoner count. Staff members then searched the facility and checked the grounds.
Security video showed Morley crossing the prison’s outer fence and leaving the property in his prison clothing. Investigators have not released additional details about how he reached the fence or whether anyone helped him.
The circumstances of the escape remain under investigation. Authorities have not announced where Morley may be headed.
Fitts said officers want to arrest Morley but stressed that public safety must come first. He repeated his warning that residents should not try to stop or question him themselves.
Anyone who sees Morley should keep a safe distance, move to a secure location and contact 911 immediately.