The reward for information leading to the capture of an escaped Tennessee prison inmate has increased to a combined $15,000 as authorities continue searching for the convicted murderer whose stolen getaway truck was discovered in Marion, Illinois.
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee authorized an increase in the state’s reward to $10,000 on Wednesday, October 28, while the U.S. Marshals Service is offering an additional $5,000 for information leading to the arrest of 28-year-old Jacob Allen Morley.
Morley escaped from the Northwest Correctional Complex in Tiptonville, Tennessee, late Sunday night, October 25. Prison officials discovered him missing at approximately 11:30 p.m.
According to the Tennessee Department of Correction, surveillance footage showed Morley breaching the prison’s perimeter fence and leaving the facility while still wearing his prison uniform.
Authorities say Morley subsequently stole a pickup truck from a nearby farm. The vehicle was discovered abandoned in Marion early Tuesday morning, October 27.
Marion Police Chief David Fitts and Williamson County Sheriff Jeff Diederich confirmed that investigators have not developed any substantial new leads since the vehicle was recovered.
Morley was serving a life sentence for murder and other convictions in Carter County, Tennessee, at the time of his escape.
The increased reward was authorized by Governor Lee following a request from District Attorney General Danny H. Goodman Jr. The governor’s letter states that the state reward may be divided among eligible informants if multiple individuals provide information leading to Morley’s capture.
Morley is described as approximately 5 feet 11 inches tall, weighing 240 pounds, with brown hair and green eyes.
Authorities warn that Morley should be considered dangerous. Anyone who encounters him is urged not to approach him and should immediately call 911.
Anyone with information concerning his whereabouts can also contact the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation at 1-800-824-3463.
The search remains ongoing, with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies involved in efforts to locate Morley.