Full Breakdown
Tennessee Escapee’s Stolen Truck Found in Illinois Amid Ongoing Manhunt
By Drooid · · How we work
In this breakdown
01
Escape and Discovery of the Vehicle
Jacob Morley, a 28-year-old convicted murderer, fled the Northwest Correctional Complex in Tiptonville, Tennessee, after breaching the perimeter fence late on a Sunday. He was reported missing around 11:30 p.m. and later stole a white 2008 Ford F-350 with Tennessee plates from Lake County early the following Monday. The truck was abandoned in Marion, Illinois, a city of roughly 17,600 residents, after being left there at about 4:40 a.m. and discovered by police roughly 30 hours later.
02
Possible Connection to a Wisconsin Bank Robbery
On the same day as the truck theft, two employees were restrained during an armed robbery at a bank in Deerfield, Wisconsin. The suspects fled in a stolen Lincoln MKZ, which was recovered shortly thereafter. The Dane County Sheriff’s Office has not eliminated Morley as a suspect, and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) is assisting local authorities while noting that no confirmation exists linking him to the robbery.
03
Law-Enforcement Response
The Illinois State Police are providing assistance, though the investigation is led by local and Tennessee authorities. The TBI has placed Morley on its “Most Wanted” list, offering a combined reward of $15,000 from the Tennessee governor’s office, the TBI, and the U.S. Marshals Service for information leading to his capture.
04
Community Reaction in Marion
Residents expressed heightened anxiety after the truck’s discovery. Local attorney Bridget Lawler reported that “Everybody is locking their car doors now.” One resident, Lachelle Hartline, said she received information only through Facebook and had not heard any official alerts. Another local, speaking on condition of anonymity, voiced concern for public safety and urged anyone with tips to contact authorities.
05
Verbatim Quotes
- “At this point we have continually searched neighborhoods, knocked on doors and followed every lead and tip that we receive. Although there is no indication he is still in Marion, we will continue to assume he is and will be on the lookout,” — Lt. Justin Dwyer
- “Everybody is locking their car doors now,” — Bridget Lawler, a local attorney
- “No one that I have talked to has mentioned seeing it either. We only got information through Facebook,” — Lachelle Hartline
- “It didn't matter when, where, or what you needed,” — Carrie Norman