The Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC) is asking residents across the state to check their properties for signs of an escaped convicted murderer whose whereabouts remain unknown more than a week after he fled a West Tennessee prison.

Jacob Allen Morley, 28, escaped from the Northwest Correctional Complex in Lake County late on Oct. 25, according to WSMV. The search has since crossed state lines, and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) said it has no new information on Morley's location, WPSD Local 6 reported Nov. 2.

The TDOC and TBI are urging residents to inspect vacation homes, lake houses, hunting cabins, sheds, barns, garages and other outbuildings for anything unusual. Authorities also encourage people to check on elderly family members, neighbors and other vulnerable individuals, according to WSMV.

What happened

Morley was found missing after a routine cell count the night of Oct. 25. According to 29th Judicial District Attorney General Danny Goodman Jr., prison staff alerted an internal investigator around 2 a.m. but did not notify the TBI, Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) or the district attorney's office until 5:30 a.m., WBBJ reported.

"He was already in Marion, Illinois, before they ever called anyone outside of TDOC," Goodman said, according to WBBJ.

Morley stole a white 2008 Ford F-350 utility truck marked with "Lindamood Planting Company" during his escape. The truck was later found abandoned in Marion, Illinois.

Authorities in Tennessee and Wisconsin are examining a possible connection between Morley and an armed robbery at the Bank of Deerfield in Dane County, Wisconsin. Officials said a gunman demanded money, restrained two employees and left with cash before stealing a Lincoln MKZ from the parking lot, according to WSMV. That vehicle was also found empty.

The TBI said it is aware of the Wisconsin robbery but has not confirmed any connection to Morley.

The TDOC is also asking truck drivers and travelers who were near the Pilot Travel Center at 2611 Vernell Road in Marion, Illinois, on Oct. 26 between 5 a.m. and 7 a.m. to review dash camera footage.

"Even if something seemed insignificant at the time, it could be a critical piece of information for investigators," the TDOC said, according to WSMV.

Description and reward

A TDOC wanted poster describes Morley as approximately 5 feet 11 inches tall, weighing about 240 pounds, with brown hair and green eyes, according to ABC News. He is on the TBI's Most Wanted list and is considered dangerous.

Morley is serving a life sentence with the possibility of parole for the 2022 killing of Cody Birchfield in Carter County. He was convicted of first-degree murder, abuse of a corpse, tampering with evidence and aggravated burglary, according to WSMV.

The reward for information leading to Morley's capture stands at a combined $17,500, with contributions from the Tennessee Governor's Office, the TBI and the U.S. Marshals Service.

The TBI urges anyone who sees Morley not to approach him. Residents can call 1-800-TBI-FIND or 911 with any information.