Illinois search for escaped inmate Jacob Morley yields $15,000 reward

Authorities increased the reward for information leading to the arrest of escaped inmate Jacob Morley to a combined $15,000. The Tennessee Department of Correction announced the increase on Wednesday, following the discovery of a vehicle linked to the 28-year-old fugitive.

Morley, who is serving a life sentence for the 2022 murder of Cody Birchfield, escaped from the Northwest Correctional Complex in Tiptonville, Tennessee. Staff confirmed his absence at approximately 11:30 p.m. on October 25, 2026. Security footage showed him breaching the perimeter fence in his prison uniform.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation released a description of a stolen white 2008 Ford F-350 with Tennessee tag 138BBQV on Monday. The agency stated that footage captured Morley stealing the truck at approximately 1 a.m. Monday from the 400 block of Keystone Drive. On Tuesday, officials reported that the truck was located in Marion, Illinois, but Morley’s specific location remained unknown.

The increase in the monetary incentive comes as Birchfield’s family seeks public assistance. Carrie Norman, Birchfield’s sister, described the situation as reliving the tragedy. She stated that she is asking the public for help to find her brother’s murderer, noting that he should be locked away in prison.

Norman described Birchfield as a kind man who helped others. Diana Reid, a friend of the victim, expressed horror that a convicted murderer is on the run. She cited public safety concerns, stating that the uncertainty of what Morley might do to avoid capture is her primary fear.

Daniel Russell, a childhood friend of Birchfield, said the manhunt forced him to revisit the pain of his friend’s death. He noted that seeing Morley’s face on social media brought back the emotions of losing someone to murder.

The reward pool now stands at $15,000 for information that leads to Morley’s arrest. The TBI continues to search for the inmate after the vehicle was found in Illinois.