Fugitive Murderer Last Seen In IL 'Could Be Anywhere,' Authorities Say

MARION, IL — Authorities are continuing to ask the public for help locating convicted murderer and wanted fugitive Jacob Allen Morley, who escaped a Tennessee prison more than a week ago, stealing a truck that was later found abandoned in downstate Marion, the last place he was seen.

In a social media post on Friday, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation requested that any truckers, travelers or other people who were in the area of the Pilot Travel Center at 2611 Vernell Road in Marion between 5-7 a.m. Oct. 26 review potentially relevant dashboard camera footage.

The agency is especially seeking information on sightings of anyone who looks like Morley, suspicious activity in or around the truck stop, and anything else unusual, according to the bureau. Morley is 6 feet or slightly under, weighs 240-270 pounds, and has brown hair and green eyes, authorities said.

“Even if something seemed insignificant at the time, it could be a critical piece of information for investigators,” the bureau said in the post.

The reward for information leading to Morley’s capture is now $17,500.

“Morley is considered dangerous and could be anywhere,” the post said.

“We ask the public to remain vigilant, check on family members and neighbors, and be alert for suspicious activity on your properties, including vacant homes, vacation properties, and outbuildings.”

The 28-year-old killed co-worker Cody Birchfield in 2022, according to NBC News, which reported that Morley shot Birchfield in the head from behind and that his body was discovered in a metal box under Morley’s home. Morley has been convicted of first-degree murder, aggravated burglary, tampering with evidence, evading arrest and vandalism, authorities said.

Morley had been serving a life sentence at the Northwest Correctional Complex in Tiptonville, according to the Tennessee Department of Correction. Staff confirmed around 11:30 p.m. Oct. 25 that he was missing and security cameras showed he had breached the perimeter fence in his prison uniform, the department reported.

Morley was recorded on video stealing a white 2008 Ford F-350 labeled “Lindamood Planting Company” with an air compressor in the bed around 1 a.m. Oct. 26 and it was found abandoned later that day in Marion, the bureau reported.

Anyone with information is asked to call 1-844-832-3463 or 911, authorities said.