Convicted murderer escapes from maximum-security Tennessee prison, authorities confirm

A man convicted of murder and other charges went missing from a maximum-security prison in northwest Tennessee on Sunday night, the Tennessee Department of Correction said Monday.

Jacob Allen Morley is seen in Tennessee Department of Correction photos posted on the department's website. He is described as a 28-year-old male with brown hair and green eyes. Morley is 5’11” tall and weighs about 240 pounds, according to the department, which declined a request for an interview.

"At approximately 11:30 pm on October 25, 2026, staff at NWCX confirmed Morley was unaccounted for and immediately conducted an emergency count and search of the facility," the department said. "Further review of security cameras confirmed Morley breached the perimeter fence and exited the facility in his TDOC uniform."

Morley is serving a life sentence. He has convictions for first-degree murder, aggravated burglary, tampering with evidence, evading arrest, and vandalism, according to the department.

The prison is located in the northwest corner of the state, in Lake County, which issued a public safety alert on Monday morning.

Morley has been added to the Tennessee Department of Correction's most wanted list. Anyone with information is asked to call 844-832-3463.