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Tennessee launches manhunt after Jacob Morley escapes prison

By Drooid · Oct 26, 2026, 11:19 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Jacob Morley Escapes

Tennessee officials launched a manhunt after Jacob Morley escaped from the Northwest Correctional Complex.
Morley breached the fence at 11:30 p.m. Sunday while wearing his TDOC uniform, captured on surveillance video.
He is 5 ft 11 in, 240 lb, green-eyed, brown-haired, serving life for the 2022 murder of Cody Birchfield.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation offers a $2,500 reward for tips called to 1-844-832-3463 or 911.

Summary

Tennessee Patrol Searches

The Tennessee Highway Patrol deployed helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft to scan the prison area.
State troopers joined the search, patrolling rural roads and checkpoints to intercept the fugitive.
TDOC officials conducted an emergency headcount and cleared nearby buildings for possible hideouts.
Federal agencies, including the FBI, were notified and are coordinating with state officials.
Surveillance teams are reviewing doorbell, trail and hunting camera footage for leads.

History

Historical Context

The June 11, 1962 breakout of three Alcatraz inmates—Frank Morris and the Anglin brothers—triggered a ten-day, multi-agency air, sea and land hunt led by the FBI and Coast Guard. That coordinated response, and the prison’s 1963 closure, set a precedent for modern pursuits; today Tennessee Highway Patrol, TDOC and the FBI employ helicopters and checkpoints in the Jacob Morley manhunt.

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Jacob Morley Escapes

Tennessee officials launched a manhunt after Jacob Morley escaped from the Northwest Correctional Complex.
Morley breached the fence at 11:30 p.m. Sunday while wearing his TDOC uniform, captured on surveillance video.
He is 5 ft 11 in, 240 lb, green-eyed, brown-haired, serving life for the 2022 murder of Cody Birchfield.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation offers a $2,500 reward for tips called to 1-844-832-3463 or 911.

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