(The Center Square) – Convicted murderer Jacob Morley is in custody more than a week after he escaped from a Tennessee prison.
Morley was caught in Kansas City on Tuesday, according to a social media post by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. The bureau said more details about Morley's arrest would be released later.
Morley escaped from the Northwest Correctional Complex in Tiptonville on Oct. 25. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation said Morley was last seen in Marion, Ill., on Tuesday. A $17,500 reward was offered for information leading to his capture.
It was the second time an inmate escaped from the Tennessee Department of Correction's custody in the past month.
Just days before Morley's escape, Gregory Lynn Redden, serving two sentences for aggravated robbery, walked away from a Nashville hospital where he was receiving treatment, according to the department. Redden was captured hours after his escape.
The Center Square was unsuccessful prior to publication obtaining comment from the Department of Correction.
The department is under new leadership after the resignation of former Commissioner Frank Strada, who made $21,160 a month, or $253,920 annually, according to the Transparent Tennessee website. Strada was appointed by Gov. Bill Lee in January 2023.
Christopher Hansen, leader of the department's probation and parole operations, will serve as interim commissioner and maintain his current duties, Lee said in a statement.