Tennessee murderer evades capture for 10 days before truck stuck in mud

Jacob Morley, a Tennessee inmate serving a life sentence for murder, spent ten days on the run before being captured in Missouri after his vehicle became immobilized in mud. The 28-year-old escaped from the Northwest Correctional Complex in Tennessee on Oct. 25, slipping through a fence in his prison clothes. He was apprehended Tuesday near Kansas City, more than 350 miles from his point of origin.

The capture occurred after the Missouri State Highway Patrol received a tip that morning that Morley might be traveling west on Interstate 70. Troopers utilized roadside cameras and a helicopter to locate the suspect. His truck got stuck, ending the pursuit. Authorities recovered two rifles and a shotgun from the vehicle.

Investigators reconstructed Morley's path, finding evidence that he traveled to a farm near Marion, Illinois, roughly 127 miles from Tennessee. Williamson County Sheriff Jeff Diederich stated that Morley spent time in a shed used by hunters, where he drank beer and prepared garlic bread. Diederich noted that Morley left a handwritten, apologetic note after stealing the truck. The sheriff also said Morley likely stole clothes and the three firearms from the property.

The escape route remains partly mysterious. Security cameras showed Morley walking away from a different truck he had abandoned after leaving Tennessee. He walked about three miles through fields and woods to reach the farm in Marion. Diederich said the terrain made it difficult for him to be spotted. It is unclear why Morley targeted Marion or why he was driving toward Kansas City. Diederich added that there is no evidence Morley received help from others.

Morley was convicted in 2022 of first-degree murder, aggravated burglary, tampering with evidence, vandalism, and evading arrest. The victim, co-worker Cody Birchfield, had been missing for weeks before his body was found in a box under Morley's home. When deputies arrived at Morley's house, he fled in a chase that ended in North Carolina.

Morley was transported to the Lafayette County Jail in Lexington, Missouri, on Tuesday. Kim Wheeler-Elder, a spokesperson for the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, confirmed via text message that all available information regarding his whereabouts has been released. No charges have been filed against him in Missouri courts yet.

Tennessee District Attorney General Danny Goodman Jr. said Morley could face charges in Missouri, Illinois, and federal court. Goodman plans to file additional charges but did not specify when Morley will be returned to Tennessee.