Security camera footage confirmed that Morley crossed the facility's perimeter fence and exited while wearing prison-issued clothing. Details have not been released about how he breached the fence or whether another person assisted him. Authorities are now focused on locating the escaped inmate and conducting a full investigation into the circumstances of the escape.
Morley was convicted of murdering his longtime friend Cody Birchfield, 34, of Elizabethton in Carter County. Birchfield had been reported missing, and his body was discovered in March 2022 buried and concealed beneath Morley's home. Morley's convictions in Carter County included first-degree murder, aggravated burglary, tampering with evidence, evading arrest and vandalism.
According to Carter County Criminal Court, Morley would have been eligible to seek parole in the future, but he is now wanted by authorities as an escaped prisoner. Morley is described as approximately 5'11" tall, weighing approximately 240 pounds, with brown hair and green eyes.
TDOC has called on the public not to attempt to apprehend Morley or approach him, and to report any information immediately to 911. The department also provided a dedicated tip line: 1-844-832-3462. "Public safety is our top priority," TDOC stated, "and we are working in close cooperation with law enforcement to apprehend the suspect as quickly as possible."
The case raises questions about security at Tennessee correctional facilities. In recent months, additional unusual incidents related to the state's prison system have been reported, including failures in execution procedures that sparked widespread public controversy.
