Reward upped as manhunt continues for Jacob Morley, $15,000

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation announced that the reward for Lake County escaped inmate Jacob Morley has risen to $15,000.

TBI released that the following rewards are being offered for information leading to Morley’s arrest:

• $7,500 from the Tennessee Governor’s Office

• $2,500 from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation

• $5,000 from the U.S. Marshals Service

The U.S. Marshal for the Western District of Tennessee, Tyreece Miller, confirmed the Marshals are assisting with the investigation.

Morley is serving a life sentence with the possibility of parole for first-degree murder in 2022, killing Cody Birchfield in Carter County.

Morley remains at large after escaping from the Northwest Correctional Complex in Lake County early Monday. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation said a truck Morley allegedly stole in Obion County was found abandoned Tuesday in Marion, Illinois.

Miller said resources are being deployed in Marion, Illinois, where Morley abandoned a truck stolen from Obion County.

Miller said they are not focused only on Marion, adding that other leads are coming in.

“We don’t think that he’s going to do anything that’s going to help us. You know, we can, we can certainly send the plea out for him to turn himself in. I’m hopeful that he’ll do that because that’s really the only way we can ensure his safety,” said Miller.

The TBI says Morley’s whereabouts remain unknown, and locating him remains an urgent priority for law enforcement.

Miller said the public should always stay vigilant and lock their vehicles, doors, and windows.

He is also asking residents across the board to check their outdoor cameras for anything that may help them locate Morley.

Marion Police said Morley has been on the run for close to 30 hours and could be anywhere, adding there is no evidence he is still in the area.

The FBI Nashville Field Office confirmed they are assisting with the investigation.

Illinois and Kentucky State Police tell Action News 5 they are aware of the situation and have offered assistance to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to call 1-800-TBI-FIND immediately. If you see Morley, do not approach him — call 911.

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