Escaped Tennessee Killer Linked to Wisconsin Bank Heist

Jacob Allen Morley, a Tennessee inmate serving a life sentence for the 2022 murder of Cody Birchfield, remains at large after escaping from the Northwest Correctional Complex on Monday. The manhunt has expanded to Wisconsin, where authorities are investigating a potential connection between Morley and a gunpoint bank robbery that took place on Tuesday.

Dane County officials report that a gunman entered the Bank of Deerfield shortly before closing. The suspect demanded cash, restrained two employees, and fled the scene with the money. No injuries were reported during the incident. The robber then stole a Lincoln MKZ from the parking lot to make his getaway. Police later located the vehicle unoccupied.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has confirmed it is monitoring the Wisconsin robbery but has not yet verified whether Morley is the gunman. Morley initially escaped by stealing a white 2008 Ford F-150 marked with Lindamood Planting Company. That truck was found abandoned early Tuesday in Marion, Illinois. Local police stated there is currently no evidence placing Morley in that specific area.

Tyreece Miller, the U.S. marshal for the Western District of Tennessee, has requested public assistance in locating the fugitive. The reward for information leading to his arrest has been increased to $15,000. Daniel Russell, a friend of the murder victim, described the suspect’s history in a statement. “He’s a monster. He will do it again,” Russell said.

Morley is listed on the Tennessee Most Wanted List and is considered dangerous. Authorities urge the public to call 1-800-TBI-FIND with any leads. If a witness spots the suspect, they are instructed not to approach and to call 911 immediately.