Escaped killer left behind the most bizarre apology note while on the run
Search ends near Kansas City
Morley, 28, was arrested on Tuesday near Kansas City, Missouri, after escaping from the Northwest Correctional Complex on Oct. 25. He had been serving a life sentence for murder.
Authorities said roadside cameras and a helicopter helped locate him. His truck became stuck in mud, and officers recovered two rifles and a shotgun from the vehicle. They said Morley was compliant during his arrest.
Route after the escape
After escaping in prison clothes through a fence, Morley allegedly stole a truck from a farm near the prison. He later abandoned that vehicle in Marion, and security cameras captured him walking away and at two locations along Route 13.
Authorities believe he walked about 3 miles (5 kilometers) to reach the farm. Diederich said investigators had found no evidence that anyone helped him.
Charges and murder conviction
Goodman plans to file additional charges. Morley was convicted in 2022 of killing co-worker Cody Birchfield, whose body was found in a box beneath Morley’s home after Birchfield had been missing for several weeks.
Key points
- Jacob Morley was arrested near Kansas City after more than a week on the run.
- Investigators say he hid in a hunters’ shed and left an apology note after taking a truck.
- Authorities recovered two rifles and a shotgun from the truck he was driving when caught.
- Morley is serving a life sentence for killing co-worker Cody Birchfield.